The Anatomical record
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The Anatomical record · Jan 1998
Projections of the caudal ventrolateral medulla to the thoracic spinal cord in the rat.
The caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM), an area having cardiovascular and respiratory functions, contains neurons that project to the thoracic spinal cord. It has been presumed, although never demonstrated, that the CVLM thoracic projections terminate on intercostal and sympathetic motor neurons. Using a combination of tracers, the purpose of the present study was to describe a route through which the CVLM may directly influence sympathetic and intercostal motor neurons. ⋯ The finding that the CVLM projects to sympathetic and intercostal motor neurons supports its role in cardiovascular and respiratory functions. The authors suggest that CVLM influences upon sympathetic motor neurons may be inhibitory.
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The Anatomical record · Dec 1997
Case ReportsAnatomical variant of the lateral pectoral nerve innervating the anterior portion of the deltoid muscle: a case report.
The deltoid muscle is innervated by the axillary nerve. There is no collateral nerve supply described for this muscle. Palsy of the axillary nerve is common in shoulder trauma due to its close relationship to the surgical neck of humerus. ⋯ A branch of the lateral pectoral nerve could provide collateral nerve supply to the deltoid muscle. The frequency of this anatomical variation requires further exploration.
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The Anatomical record · Sep 1997
Distribution of lymphatic stomata on the pleural surface of the thoracic cavity and the surface topography of the pleural mesothelium in the golden hamster.
The distribution of lymphatic stomata that open to the pleural cavity is unclear. The distribution and the surface topography of the pleural and visceral pleurae are key factors in the turnover of pleural fluid and respiration physiology. ⋯ 1) The parietal pleura has a surface structure that is more permeable and absorptive for fluid and particulate matter than the visceral pleura. 2) The distribution of lymphatic stomata does not correspond directly to the pleural liquid pressures that have been reported. 3) The functions of lymphatic stomata should be considered not only in terms of fluid turnover but also in terms of self-defense mechanisms. 4) The presence or absence of lymphatic stomata on the diaphragmatic pleura should be re-examined and determined in a variety of animal species.
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The aim of the present study was to identify the varieties of sensory and motor nerve endings in cat extraocular muscles. ⋯ The sensory nature of the palisade endings was demonstrated, and two other types of sensory terminals were identified and described. The spiral nerve terminals were demonstrated to be motor in nature, and a possible function in the microsaccadic movements associated with fixation is suggested.
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The Anatomical record · Dec 1996
Fiber type composition of articular branches of the tibial nerve at the knee joint in man.
We examined the fiber type composition of the articular branches of the tibial nerve in human cadavers. Our primary motivation was to assess the suitability of these nerve branches for making neural recordings by using an interface, such as a nerve cuff electrode or a microelectrode array. Articular branches of the tibial nerve innervate primarily the posterior joint capsule of the knee (Gardner, 1948. Anat. Rec, 101:109-130); the main branch corresponds anatomically to the posterior articular nerve (PAN), which has been studied extensively in animals such as the cat. ⋯ The percentage of unmyelinated fibers is comparable to that found in articular nerves in other species. We discovered that the main articular branch of the tibial nerve contains a branch projecting distal to the knee joint capsule; therefore, the best location for placement of a neural recording interface to record from capsular afferents appears to be the well-defined ramifications of the articular branch that penetrate the joint capsule. Branches that contain only these ramifications are 0.5-1.0 mm in diameter and, on average, have 658 myelinated axons, which should be a sufficient number from which to record.