State-of-the-Art Anatomical Research in the Mediterranean Region 2022

A special issue of Anatomia (ISSN 2813-0545).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2023) | Viewed by 27867

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Laboratory of Neuroanatomy of the Peptidergic Systems, Institute of Neuroscience of Castilla and León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, c/ Pintor Fernando Gallego 1, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
Interests: cancer and anticancer peptides; substance P/neurokinin-1 receptor system; neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists
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Guest Editor
Human Neuroanatomy Laboratory, Regional Center for Biomedical Research (CRIB), University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
Interests: immunohistochemistry; central nervous system; neuroanatomy; neuropeptides; neurotransmitters; aging; neurodegenerative diseases; neurotoxicity; neuroprotection

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

MDPI has launched a new open access journal named Anatomia, focusing on all aspects of anatomical sciences from macroscopic and microscopic anatomy to modern techniques, including cell and molecular biology. The knowledge of anatomical sciences is crucial in biomedicine and, for this reason, MDPI has had the superlative idea to participate in the contribution of papers devoted to any aspect of anatomical sciences. The journal is open to any research concerning anatomy, allowing for a rapid increase in the number of participants, readers and citations. It is important to exhibit the anatomical research currently being carried out in specific regions of the world to recognize its potential and the variety of topics investigated withing this field, as well as to strengthen personal and scientific ties so that, in the future, a closer scientific anatomical collaboration could be carried out from a multidisciplinary point of view. In addition, there is room not only for practical studies, reviews or classic research works, but also for aspects such as different strategies for the training of future professionals. In this sense, the way in which anatomy is taught in universities and other academic centers is also an important topic, whose results can be shared with the rest of the scientific community. Thus, the aim of this Special Issue is to demonstrate a sample of works conducted by anatomists in the Mediterranean region from all aspects of anatomical sciences, including anatomical formation. We hope for this Special Issue to open the door to increasing scientific collaborations between anatomical researchers in the Mediterranean region and to the future development of new successful lines of research in this region and abroad.

Prof. Dr. Rafael Coveñas Rodríguez
Dr. Pilar Marcos
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • anatomy
  • neuroanatomy
  • anatomists
  • cadaver
  • teaching anatomy
  • image techniques

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 199 KiB  
Editorial
Special Issue: State-of-the-Art Anatomical Research in the Mediterranean Region 2022
by Pilar Marcos and Rafael Coveñas
Anatomia 2023, 2(3), 189-191; https://doi.org/10.3390/anatomia2030017 - 25 Jun 2023
Viewed by 922
Abstract
The purpose of anatomy is the knowledge of the form of the living body, for which the relationship between what is seen and its function is pursued [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Anatomical Research in the Mediterranean Region 2022)

Research

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7 pages, 1048 KiB  
Article
A Missing Flexor Digitorum Brevis Tendon and Its Relationship to Sex and Ancestry: Evaluation in Hispanic Population
by Jailenne I. Quiñones-Rodriguez, Cristian Mantilla-Rosa, Félix Rodríguez, Catalina I. Villamil, Juan Fernández, Maryvi González-Solá, Cristhian Torres-Toro and Martin G. Rosario
Anatomia 2022, 1(2), 210-216; https://doi.org/10.3390/anatomia1020021 - 6 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3798
Abstract
Background: The flexor digitorum brevis tendon to the fifth digit is frequently absent, and this absence is typically an incidental discovery during dissection or surgical studies. This study aimed to assess the frequency of a missing flexor digitorum brevis tendon in a Hispanic [...] Read more.
Background: The flexor digitorum brevis tendon to the fifth digit is frequently absent, and this absence is typically an incidental discovery during dissection or surgical studies. This study aimed to assess the frequency of a missing flexor digitorum brevis tendon in a Hispanic population for the first time, the association between the absence of the flexor digitorum brevis tendon, variables such as sex and ethnicity, and the functional implications of an absent tendon. Methods: Our sample consists of 30 cadavers whose feet were dissected and examined for the presence or absence of the digiti minimi tendon. Results: We found no significant relationship between the presence or absence of the tendon to sex or ethnicity. However, due to a lack of significant effects on human ambulation from the absence of this tendon, and the ability of adjacent muscles to adapt to its absence, the absence of this tendon might become increasingly prevalent over time. Conclusions: Knowledge of the frequency of flexor digitorum brevis variations concerning the demographic characteristics of patients would be of clinical importance for tendon repair, tendon transfer to correct deformities such as claw toe or hammer toe, or soft tissue reconstruction in foot surgery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Anatomical Research in the Mediterranean Region 2022)
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7 pages, 1413 KiB  
Communication
A Variant of the Deltoid Muscle and Its Clinical Implications: A Cadaveric Study
by Stella Maris Gómez-Sánchez, Francisco Gómez-Esquer, Antonio Gil-Crujera, Mª Angustias Palomar-Gallego, José Delcán-Giráldez and Gema Díaz-Gil
Anatomia 2022, 1(2), 119-125; https://doi.org/10.3390/anatomia1020012 - 21 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 6681
Abstract
Background: The deltoid is the muscle that forms the rounded contour of the shoulder. Anatomically, it seems to be made up of three different sets of fibers. The three anatomical portions in which the deltoid muscle are typically divided into the anterior [...] Read more.
Background: The deltoid is the muscle that forms the rounded contour of the shoulder. Anatomically, it seems to be made up of three different sets of fibers. The three anatomical portions in which the deltoid muscle are typically divided into the anterior (clavicular), the mean (acromial), and the posterior (spinal). Different variations of the deltoid muscle have been described in the literature. The analysis and knowledge of these anomalies are essential for surgeons and anatomists. Methods: A total of 21 specimens (12 women and 9 men) were used with a 10% formaldehyde solution. All specimens were dissected bilaterally (the classical dissection methodology was used). Results: In one corpse, an additional bilateral belly of the deltoid muscle was found. It was observed that this additional muscular belly was related to the fascial tissue of the deltoid muscle and its muscle fibers take origin from the middle third of the inferomedial bands of infraspinatus fascia. In addition, the belly attaches to the posterior belly of the deltoid muscle. The deltoid muscle and the additional belly were innervated by the axillar nerve, which is a lateral terminal bouquet of the posterior fascicle of the brachial plexus. Conclusions: This new variation of the deltoid muscle must be considered by surgeons, as well as abnormal conditions in terms of compartment syndrome involving the shoulder. Therefore, consideration of this variant is necessary for the correct diagnosis and treatment of trauma or other shoulder pathology that may be refractory to standard treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Anatomical Research in the Mediterranean Region 2022)
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14 pages, 1949 KiB  
Article
Morphological Relationships between the Cholinergic and Somatostatin-28(1-12) Systems in the Alpaca (Lama pacos) Brainstem
by Pilar Marcos and Rafael Coveñas
Anatomia 2022, 1(1), 54-67; https://doi.org/10.3390/anatomia1010006 - 25 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2160
Abstract
In the alpaca brainstem, the distribution of the cholinergic system by the immunohistochemical detection of the enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) has been described, and its relationship with the distribution of somatostatin-28(1-12) is analyzed by double-immunostaining techniques. Overlapping distribution patterns for both substances were [...] Read more.
In the alpaca brainstem, the distribution of the cholinergic system by the immunohistochemical detection of the enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) has been described, and its relationship with the distribution of somatostatin-28(1-12) is analyzed by double-immunostaining techniques. Overlapping distribution patterns for both substances were observed in many brainstem regions, suggesting that interactions between them may occur in the reticular formation, nucleus ambiguus or laterodorsal tegmental nucleus. Colocalization of the two substances in the same cell bodies was only observed in restricted areas, such as the nucleus of the solitary tract, reticular formation and nucleus ambiguus. In addition, in several regions, an apparent high innervation of the peptidergic fibers on cholinergic neurons has been observed. The results suggest that chemospecific interactions could be crucial for the control of specific cardiorespiratory and/or digestive functions in alpacas. These interactions may represent brain-adaptive mechanisms to particular environments and have a potential therapeutic use in respiratory disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Anatomical Research in the Mediterranean Region 2022)
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Review

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20 pages, 1535 KiB  
Review
Lobe X of the Cerebellum: A Natural Neuro-Resistant Region
by Carlos Hernández-Pérez, Eduardo Weruaga and David Díaz
Anatomia 2023, 2(1), 43-62; https://doi.org/10.3390/anatomia2010005 - 23 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6666
Abstract
The cerebellum is an encephalic region classically known for its central role in the control of movement, although recent research has revealed its involvement in other cognitive and affective tasks. Several different pathologies are known to affect this structure, causing a wide range [...] Read more.
The cerebellum is an encephalic region classically known for its central role in the control of movement, although recent research has revealed its involvement in other cognitive and affective tasks. Several different pathologies are known to affect this structure, causing a wide range of behavioral and gait impairments. Intriguingly, although the neurodegenerative factors affect all Purkinje cells of the cerebellum uniformly, certain neurodegeneration patterns can be distinguished, in which some Purkinje cells persist longer than other cell types. Specifically, there is a cerebellar region, lobe X, which is more resistant to different types of neurodegeneration, regardless of the injury. Degeneration patterns of the cerebellum have been described in several models, but this review goes further, as it aims at describing a phenomenon not so described: the resistance of the lobe X to neurodegeneration. For this purpose, the main models of cerebellar degeneration will be reviewed and a common origin for the lobe X resistance will be sought. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Anatomical Research in the Mediterranean Region 2022)
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12 pages, 915 KiB  
Review
Recognizing and Distinguishing the Phenomenon Referred to as Meningioma
by Bruce M. Rothschild
Anatomia 2022, 1(1), 107-118; https://doi.org/10.3390/anatomia1010011 - 10 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2300
Abstract
Background: The reliability of a recent review of meningiomas in the archeologic record was difficult to assess, given the inverted sex ratio of the report and other contents apparently at variance with anatomical/medical findings in scientifically identified cases. It therefore seemed appropriate to [...] Read more.
Background: The reliability of a recent review of meningiomas in the archeologic record was difficult to assess, given the inverted sex ratio of the report and other contents apparently at variance with anatomical/medical findings in scientifically identified cases. It therefore seemed appropriate to reexamine the nature of meningiomas and derive improve criteria for their recognition in the archeologic record and distinguish them from hemangiomas and bone marrow hyperplasia (recognized in the form of porotic hyperostosis). Methods: Medically documented cases of meningiomas were examined to establish a macroscopic standard distinguishing them. Alleged cases in the archeologic record were examined for conformity with those criteria. Results: An en face pattern of uniform mesh with contained whorls appears pathognomonic for meningiomas. This contrasts with the non-uniform marrow expansion displacement of trabeculae in porotic hyperostosis and non-uniform vascular displacement of trabeculae in hemangiomas. Reassessment of past attributions revealed few cases of meningiomas that could be confidently diagnosed. Those identified have sex ratios parsimonious with medical literature reports. Conclusions: Criteria suggested for identifying meningiomas permit distinguishing from hemangiomas, bone marrow hyperplasia (porotic hyperostosis) and from the macroscopically observable surface spicules characteristic of osteosarcomas. Examination for fulfillment of criteria for meningiomas and hemangiomas seems to provide a picture (including sex ratios) mirroring that of the clinical literature, concluding that Cook and Danforth’s disparate ratios were related to less fastidious case selection. Additionally, confidence in recognizing porotic hyperostosis may be compromised because of apparent similar macroscopic alterations to those seen with hemangiomas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Anatomical Research in the Mediterranean Region 2022)
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Other

8 pages, 520 KiB  
Opinion
Short Practise in Human Body Dissection Benefits Acquisition of the Musculoskeletal System in First Year Medical Students at University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain)
by Ricardo Insausti, Maria del Mar Ubero and Mónica Muñoz López
Anatomia 2022, 1(2), 126-133; https://doi.org/10.3390/anatomia1020013 - 25 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2023
Abstract
Dissection in anatomy teaching is key in medicine; however, a debate is underway about whether it complements well a modern curriculum in the digital era. We aimed to determine whether a short add-on dissection practise facilitates learning of the gross anatomy relative to [...] Read more.
Dissection in anatomy teaching is key in medicine; however, a debate is underway about whether it complements well a modern curriculum in the digital era. We aimed to determine whether a short add-on dissection practise facilitates learning of the gross anatomy relative to studying it with just prosection, plastic models, and digital 3D atlases. We tested the hypothesis that dissection, even if brief, benefits both aptitudes and attitudes with respect to anatomy learning. A total of 106 1st year medical students studied the musculoskeletal system with prosection and models and a 3D digital atlas (5 h). Of these, 52 had a further 2 hours self-directed dissection session (a handout was provided with instructions) while the reminder 54 students, who lacked the experience of dissection, formed the control group. Academic grades and student satisfaction were evaluated. The dissection group obtained 10% higher grades in anatomy (F1,51 = 12.71, p < 0.001) and were highly satisfied with the dissection session (Likert scale 0–5, median = 4, IQR = 3.5), also rating the sessions as particularly motivating (median = 4, IQR = 4.4). We conclude that human body dissection, even for a limited time, has a positive impact on human anatomy grades in 1st year medical students, and is valued and motivating. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Anatomical Research in the Mediterranean Region 2022)
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5 pages, 909 KiB  
Technical Note
Online Teaching Alternative in Human Anatomy
by Alberto Garcia Barrios, Ana Isabel Cisneros Gimeno, María Camen Garza García, Itziar Lamiquiz Moneo and Jaime Whyte Orozco
Anatomia 2022, 1(1), 86-90; https://doi.org/10.3390/anatomia1010009 - 13 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1939
Abstract
The objective was to implement a “Breakout” activity using an online platform (Genially®) similar to those carried out in person to increase interactivity, motivation, and teamwork. The activity was proposed during the 2021–2022 academic year in the Human Anatomy II (Splanchnology) [...] Read more.
The objective was to implement a “Breakout” activity using an online platform (Genially®) similar to those carried out in person to increase interactivity, motivation, and teamwork. The activity was proposed during the 2021–2022 academic year in the Human Anatomy II (Splanchnology) course taken in the second semester of the Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine (University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain) and was carried out with the participation of 89 students enrolled in the course. The evaluation of the experience by the students was carried out by means of an online questionnaire that comprised four questions (based on the Likert scale) and by the teaching staff through a coordination meeting. In total, 86% of the students agreed regarding the positive effect of these kinds of activities on interactivity and motivation, with 65% agreeing on the usefulness of these tools. Around 70% agree that this activity helped them to integrate course content and to enhance teamwork. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Anatomical Research in the Mediterranean Region 2022)
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