Articles

Articles are a collaborative effort to provide a single canonical page on all topics relevant to the practice of radiology. As such, articles are written and edited by countless contributing members over a period of time. A global group of dedicated editors oversee accuracy, consulting with expert advisers, and constantly reviewing additions.

3,335 results found
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Intercoccygeal angle

Intercoccygeal angle measurement may be used to quantify the degree of anterior angulation of the coccyx. It was originally described on lateral sacrococcygeal radiographs but can also be measured on cross-sectional imaging in the sagittal plane 1. Measurement On a midline sagittal image, a s...
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Funiculus (disambiguation)

The funiculus (plural: funiculi) is an anatomical term and means a cordlike structure. It may refer to: funiculus (medulla oblongata) funiculus (fourth ventricle) funiculus (male genitals) funiculus (spinal cord) funiculus (umbilicus) funiculus (wrist ligament) History and etymology The ...
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Laryngeal paraganglia

The laryngeal paraganglia are tiny specialised neuroendocrine tissues located within and near the larynx. Their function is uncertain but they may play a role in regulating blood flow and responding to changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Gross anatomy Although nomenclature is variable...
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Berrettini anastomosis

Berrettini anastomosis is a common sensory interneural communication between the ulnar nerve and the median nerve in the palmar surface of the hand. Gross anatomy The Berrettini anastomosis is a purely sensory anastomosis between the common palmar digital nerves that arise from the median and ...
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Marinacci anastomosis

Marinacci anastomosis, also known as reverse Martin-Gruber anastomosis, describes a rare interneural communication between the ulnar nerve and the median nerve in the distal forearm. Gross anatomy Most commonly, motor fibres from the ulnar nerve cross to join the median nerve in the distal for...
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Triquetrocapitate ligament

The triquetrocapitate ligament is one of the palmar intrinsic midcarpal ligaments 1. Along with the triquetrohamate ligament this ligament forms the triquetrohamocapitate ligament, which forms the ulnar limb of the arcuate ligament of the wrist 1,2. It is often contiguous with the ulnocapitate l...
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Riche-Cannieu anastomosis

Riche-Cannieu anastomosis describes a common interneural communication between the median nerve and the ulnar nerve in the hand. Gross anatomy Generally, this anastomosis is specifically between the deep palmar branch of the ulnar nerve and the recurrent branch median nerve, although many vari...
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Flexor carpi radialis tendon tunnel

The flexor carpi radialis tendon tunnel is a fibro-osseous canal in the anterior/volar aspect of the wrist. The tendon of the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscle occupies approximately 90% of the available space in the tunnel. Gross anatomy The FCR tendon travels above the scaphoid and through ...
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Crural cisterns

Crural cisterns, also known as cisterna cruralis, are paired cerebrospinal fluid-filled subarachnoid cisterns located at the level of the cerebral peduncles between the uncus and the optic tract 1. Boundaries The boundaries of the crural cisterns are 2: ventral: communicates with the oculomot...
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Pancreaticoduodenal arcade

The pancreaticoduodenal arcade refers to an arterial network that links the blood flow of the coeliac artery and superior mesenteric artery via the superior and inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries. Gross anatomy Origin The pancreaticoduodenal arcades originate from the superior pancreaticod...
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Superior cerebellar cistern

The superior cerebellar cistern is a cerebrospinal fluid-filled subarachnoid cistern located at the level of the superior surface of the cerebellar vermis. Boundaries The boundaries of the superior cerebellar cistern are 1–3: ventral: communicates with the quadrigeminal cistern dorsal: commu...
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Posterior communicating artery hypoplasia

Posterior communicating artery hypoplasia refers to the absence of the posterior communicating artery, a blood vessel that connects the posterior cerebral artery with the internal carotid artery, thus acting as a connection between the anterior and posterior portions of the circle of willis. I...
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Triquetrohamate ligament

The triquetrohamate ligament is one of the palmar intrinsic midcarpal ligaments, with a variable presence of a dorsal component of the ligament 1. Its function is to resist flexion between the triquetrum and the hamate 1. Together with the triquetrocapitate ligament, it forms the triquetrohamoca...
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Somite

Somites, also known as metameres, are paired populations of cells that arise on either side of the neural tube in the developing embryo and set out a plan for the compartmentalised development of the body 1-3. Immature somites are multipotent and can differentiate into many tissues including de...
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Lateral pontomedullary membranes

The lateral pontomedullary membranes are arachnoid membranes located anterolateral to the brainstem at the pontomedullary junction, separating the cerebellopontine cisterns superiorly from the cerebellomedullary cisterns inferiorly 1–3. Cadaveric studies indicate the lateral pontomedullary membr...
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Fasciola cinerea

The fasciola cinerea is located in the mesial temporal lobe 1,2. The fasciola cinerea is a posterior grey matter continuation of the margo denticularis and forms part of the hippocampal formation 3–5. The fasciolar cinerea demonstrates robust interconnection and receives input from the lateral ...
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Circle of Zinn

The circle of Zinn is an arterial anastomotic ring surrounding the optic nerve head in the sclera formed by branches of the short posterior ciliary arteries. Multiple small branches from the circle of Zinn supply the anterior pia of the optic nerve, the optic disc and contribute to the blood sup...
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Posterior ciliary arteries

The posterior ciliary arteries are usually paired branches arising from the ophthalmic artery, one medial and one lateral, each giving off a number of branches that supply the uvea 1. Close to the optic nerve, are the short posterior ciliary arteries, usually numbering 16-20; these supply the ...
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Short posterior ciliary arteries

The short posterior ciliary arteries are branches of the posterior ciliary arteries which are, in turn, branches of the ophthalmic artery. Each eye has multiple small short posterior ciliary arteries (16-20) which pierce the sclera adjacent to the optic nerve. Within the sclera, they anastomose...
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Long posterior ciliary arteries

The long posterior ciliary arteries are branches of the posterior ciliary arteries which are in turn branches of the ophthalmic artery. They supply the anterior part of the choroid of the ocular globe as well as the iris and ciliary muscle 1,2. Each eye has a number of long ciliary arteries. T...
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Gap junctions

Gap junctions are aggregates of narrow water-filled intercellular channels that connect cells' cytoplasms and allow direct cell–cell transfer of ions and small molecules such as calcium and cyclic AMP, but not large molecules such as proteins 1. They connect virtually all cells in solid tissues...
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Sinoatrial node

The sinoatrial node (SA node), rarely also spelt sinuatrial node, is a group of specialised pacemaker cells that controls the rate of the heart. Summary location: upper wall of the right atrium, at the junction where the superior vena cava enters blood supply: sinoatrial nodal artery innerva...
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Purkinje fibres

Purkinje fibres are a network of specialised, glycogen-rich cells with extensive gap junctions. The glycogen can be metabolised anaerobically which may make Purkinje cells more resistant to hypoxia than working myocardial cells. These cells are located on the subendocardial surface of the ventr...
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Aponeurotic expansion of the supraspinatus tendon

The aponeurotic expansion of the supraspinatus tendon is an anatomical variant that is usually seen incidentally on imaging. Epidemiology This structure can be seen in ~33% (range 19-49%) of shoulder joints imaged on MRI 1,3,4. Gross anatomy The aponeurotic expansion of the supraspinatus te...
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Cuneonavicular joint

The cuneonavicular joint connects the navicular and the three cuneiform bones, playing a pivotal role in maintaining body balance and facilitating locomotion. Gross anatomy The cuneonavicular joint forms the syndesmosis between the navicular and cuneiform bones, enabling slight movements. Mov...
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Cuboideonavicular joint

The cuboidenoavicular joint, an integral part of the tarsometatarsal articulations, allows for subtle rotational and gliding movements. This joint involves an articulation between the cuboid and navicular bones, forming a syndesmosis stabilised by several ligaments. Gross anatomy The cuboideno...
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Incisivus labii superioris muscle

The incisivus labii superioris muscle, situated in the facial region, serves primarily in retracting the upper and lower lips. 'Incisivus' derives from the Latin 'incidere' meaning 'to cut through.' Summary origin: incisive fossa of the maxilla insertion: orbicularis oris muscle blood Supply...
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Posterior auricular muscle

The posterior auricular muscle, located posterior to the auricle, plays a role in repositioning the ear. It originates from the mastoid process of the temporal bone, with insertion at the root of the posterior auricle. Summary origin: mastoid process insertion: posterior auricle root blood S...
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Superior auricular muscle

The superior auricular muscle, an extrinsic muscle of the ear, originates from the epicranial aponeurosis and plays a pivotal role in adjusting the position of the auricle. Summary origin: epicranial aponeurosis insertion: superior surface of the auricle blood Supply: branches of the facial ...
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Anterior auricular muscle

The anterior auricular muscle, the smallest of three auricular muscles, is a thin, fan-shaped structure originating from the epicranial aponeurosis and inserting into the front of the helix. Summary: origin: epicranial aponeurosis insertion: anterior helix blood Supply: superficial temporal ...
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Antihelix (ear)

The antihelix of the ear refers to the Y-shaped cartilage within the external ear, it lies next to the scapha of the ear, the ridge separating the helix from the antihelix. Gross anatomy The antihelix can be divided into two parts bifurcating around the triangular fossa1: superior crus: upper...
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Vertebral arteria lusoria

Vertebral arteria lusoria is an extremely rare anatomical variant of the aortic arch, whereby the right vertebral artery arises from the aorta distal to the left subclavian artery 1. The aberrant right vertebral artery has a retro-oesophageal and retrotracheal course before entering a cervical t...
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Helix (ear)

The helix of the ear refers to the cartilaginous rim of the auricle. It can be divided into three parts 1: ascending: beginning from the root at the scalp, extending vertically superior: begins at the end of the ascending portion when the helix curves and ends at the Darwin tubercle, a thicke...
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Normal variant of femoral condyle ossification

Normal variant of femoral condyle ossifications occurs due to variability of endochondral ossification of articular cartilage and can be easily confused with osteochondritis dissecans. Epidemiology more often in boys (mean age of ~8 years) than in girls 1 often bilateral 1,2 typically locat...
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Rectus capitis lateralis muscle

The rectus capitis lateralis muscle is an integral component of the prevertebral muscle group, which plays a pivotal role in head movement and serves as a vital surgical landmark. Summary origin: superior transverse processes of the atlas insertion: inferior to the jugular processes of the oc...
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Antitragicus muscle

The antitragicus muscle is an intrinsic muscle of the outer ear that is part of the broader auricular muscle group. Summary origin: posterior surface of the antitragus insertion: tail of the helix innervation: posterior auricular branch of the facial nerve action: assists in ear...
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Tragus

The tragus is a small, cartilaginous projection situated anteriorly to the external auditory meatus. Relations The tragus is positioned anteriorly to the external auditory meatus and is surrounded by other components of the external ear, including the antitragus and the helix. Arterial Supply...
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Tragicus muscle

The tragicus muscle is an intrinsic muscle of the outer ear that facilitates the opening of the external auditory canal and assists in minor movement of the tragus. Summary: origin: base of tragus insertion: apex of tragus blood supply: branches of facial arteries innervation: f...
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Helicis minor muscle

The helicis minor muscle is a small, intrinsic auricular muscle responsible for shaping the anterior margin of the ear. Summary origin: base of the helix of the ear insertion: anterior helix blood supply: branches of the facial arteries innervation: posterior and temporal auricular nerves o...
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Accessory hepatic sulci

Accessory hepatic grooves (interchangeably referred as accessory hepatic fissures or accessory hepatic sulci) are a common variant, with majority of accessory grooves occurring over the diaphragmatic surface of the liver 1,2. Several hypotheses have been made regarding the process by which an a...
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Helicis major muscle

The helicis major muscle is an intrinsic auricular muscle that plays a vestigial role in adjusting the shape of the ear. Summary origin: root of the helix of the ear insertion: anterior border of the helix blood supply: anterior auricular branches of the superficial temporal artery and other...
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Mental spines

Mental spines are small, midline, paired, bony protuberances (or eminences) of the posterior lingual surface of the mandible. There are usually two superior and two inferior spines. They represent the anchor points of origin of the superior genioglossus and the inferior geniohyoid muscles 1,2. C...
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Ligaments of the larynx

The ligaments of the larynx can be considered as two groups based on whether they attach components of the larynx together internally or externally. Gross anatomy Extrinsic ligaments thyrohyoid membrane median thyrohyoid ligament lateral thyrohyoid ligament hyoepiglottic ligament cricothy...
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Rima vestibuli

The rima vestibuli is the V-shaped space formed between the false vocal cords, which allows the passage of air through the larynx. It is larger and located superior to the rima glottidis. It should not be confused for the laryngeal vestibule, which is the entire open space of the supraglottis b...
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Rima glottidis

The rima glottidis is the V-shaped opening formed between the true vocal cords, which permits the passage of air through the larynx. Abduction or adduction of the vocal cords can open or close the rima glottidis. The rima glottidis constitutes part of the glottic region of the larynx. It should...
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Lumbar veins

The lumbar veins are paired segmental veins that drain structures of the back and posterior abdominal wall. They are the venous complement of the lumbar arteries. They primarily drain into the inferior vena cava and ascending lumbar veins. Gross anatomy There are usually four pairs of lumbar v...
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Spiral mucosal folds

The spiral mucosal folds, also known as the valves of Heister, are spirally arranged mucosal folds on the endoluminal surface of the cystic duct. Although incompletely understood, they contain neurohormonally responsive muscle, and their unique shape is thought to support the patency of the cys...
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Obturator fascia

The obturator fascia is the fascia of the obturator internus muscle which covers its internal surface and attaches to the bony margins of the obturator foramen. Superomedially, the obturator fascia gives way to the obturator canal, allowing the obturator artery, vein and nerve to communicate b...
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Palmar carpal ligament

The palmar carpal ligament (also known as the volar carpal ligament) is a fibrous structure that forms the roof of Guyon's canal. Proximally, it is continuous with the deep fascia of the forearm and attaches to the pisiform, pisiform ligamentous complex and a leaf of the flexor retinaculum over...
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Anal columns

The anal columns, also known as columns of Morgagni are a number of longitudinal folds of the anal mucosa. The columns unite inferiorly to form crescentic shaped anal valves. Shallow clefts of mucosa are formed in between the columns and valves, termed the anal sinuses. The anal valves form a c...
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Venous drainage of the upper limb

The venous drainage of the upper limb is highly variable, however the anatomy by which the veins drain the upper limb can be broadly divided into superficial and deep venous systems 1. Superficial venous system cephalic vein accessory cephalic vein basilic vein median cubit...
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Deep palmar arch

The deep palmar arch is the terminal branch of the radial artery, usually forming an anastomosis with the ulnar artery 1. The radial artery enters the palm in between the oblique and transverse heads of adductor pollicis muscle, coursing across the palm approximately 1 cm proximal to the superf...
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Submandibular gland agenesis

Submandibular gland agenesis, also known as aplasia, is the absence of one or both of the submandibular glands and is rare. Epidemiology Only forty cases of submandibular gland agenesis had been reported in the English literature up to 2014 3. Associations It has been found that aplasia of m...
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Pancreatoduodenal space

The pancreaticoduodenal space (PDS) or groove (PDG) is a small anatomical potential space between the pancreatic head and duodenum 1. Gross anatomy Boundaries medial: pancreatic head lateral: 2nd portion of duodenum superior: duodenal bulb inferior 3rd portion of duodenum posterior: infer...
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Dorsolateral fasciculus

The dorsolateral fasciculus (also known as Lissaeur's tract or the posterolateral tract) is a bundle of white matter fibres within the posterolateral spinal cord. Summary The dorsolateral fasciculus lies between the apex of the dorsal grey matter and the surface of the cord, surrounding the af...
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Locus coeruleus

The locus coeruleus is a paired pigmented brainstem nucleus and the brain's main noradrenergic nucleus. It is located in the posterior rostral pons near the lateral floor of the fourth ventricle and is the leading site of noradrenaline synthesis in the brain. Locus coeruleus neurones densely i...
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Artery of Davidoff and Schechter

The artery of Davidoff and Schechter is the only dural radicle of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) and supplies parts of the falx cerebri and tentorium cerebelli 1. Summary origin: either the P1 or P2 segment of the PCA course: inferior to the superior cerebellar artery and superior to the...
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Inferior tympanic artery

The inferior tympanic artery is a small branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery that supplies the tympanic cavity. Summary origin: proximal neuromeningeal trunk of ascending pharyngeal artery course: passage through tympanic canaliculus termination: anastomosis with caroticotympanic arter...
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Periosteum

The periosteum is a thin membrane of connective tissue composed of different layers covering the surface of a bone, providing structural integrity and contributing to growth and development as well as the repair of bone 1-3. Gross anatomy The periosteum consists of different layers in particul...
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Ganglion

A ganglion (plural: ganglia) is a group of neuronal cell bodies and processes located in the peripheral nervous system 1. Ganglia can be categorised into two groups - sensory ganglia and autonomic ganglia. Sensory ganglia primarily contain the cell bodies of neurones as well as their central a...
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Posterior meniscofemoral ligament (of Wrisberg)

The posterior meniscofemoral ligament or ligament of Wrisberg is one of the two variably present bands of the meniscofemoral ligament. Gross anatomy The posterior meniscofemoral ligament has insertions proximally at the lateral intercondylar aspect of the medial femoral condyle and distally a...
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Subarachnoid lymphatic-like membrane

The subarachnoid lymphatic-like membrane (SLYM) is a recently discovered fourth meningeal layer which compartmentalizes the subarachnoid space into two functional compartments. Gross anatomy The subarachnoid lymphatic-like membrane is only a few cells thin layer, which renders it invisible usi...
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Omphalomesenteric duct

The omphalomesenteric duct, also called the vitelline or vitellointestinal duct, is a communicating tract between the embryonic yolk sac and the primitive midgut. This duct is obliterated at around the 5th to 8th week of gestation. Approximately 2% of people have a failure of involution. Relat...
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White line of Toldt

The white line of Toldt is a line formed at the junction of the lateral reflection of the posterior parietal peritoneum and the visceral peritoneum of the colon in the paracolic gutter. After the 270-degree counter-clockwise rotation of the intestinal tract during embryologic development, the tr...
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Cerebral arteries

Cerebral arteries refers to the three paired main arteries that supply the brain. anterior cerebral arteries (ACAs) middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs) The anterior and middle cerebral arteries arise as terminal branches of the internal carotid arteries. The p...
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Superior clunal nerve

The superior clunal nerve is a sensory nerve that originates from the dorsal rami of T11 – L4. The nerve travels obliquely across the buttock.  It penetrates thoracolumbar fascia at the iliac crest 1-3. Approximately, half of the nerve fibres travel within an osteofibrous tunnel of the iliac cre...
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Intertransversarii muscle group

The intertransversarii muscles are small and short muscles found in the deepest layer of the intrinsic back muscles extending between the transverse processes of adjacent cervical and lumbar vertebrae. The cervical intertransversarii are subdivided into seven pairs of anterior and posterior musc...
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Interspinales muscles

The interspinales muscles are a group of paired muscle fascicles found in the paraspinal portion of the deepest layer of the intrinsic back muscles. Gross anatomy The interspinales muscles extend between the spinous processes of two neighbouring vertebrae. They are present throughout the enti...
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Rectus capitis anterior muscle

The rectus capitis anterior muscle is a short muscle that belongs to the prevertebral and anterior neck muscles. It is located anterior to the vertebral column and stretches between the atlas and the base of the skull. Summary origin: lateral mass and transverse process of atlas (C1) insertio...
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Middle clunal nerve

The middle clunal nerve is a sensory nerve that originates from S1-S4 1. It travels underneath the long posterior sacroiliac ligament (LPSL) and passes between the posterior superior iliac spine and posterior inferior iliac spine to course over the iliac crest 1. It supplies sensation to the lum...
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Os interphalangeus

Os interphalangeus is an ossicle present in the plantar aspect of interphalangeal joint of great toe 1. The ossicle can be present either centrally or eccentrically within the joint capsule and is separated from the flexor hallucis longus tendon by a bursa. Radiographic features Plain radiogra...
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Depressor supercilii muscle

The depressor supercilii is a facial muscle found medial to the orbits and acts as a depressor of the eyebrow. Terminology Ongoing debate exists regarding the exact designation of this muscle. Some anatomy sources view it as part of the orbicularis oculi muscle while others (Cook et. al) sugge...
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Extensor indicis proprius

The extensor indicis propius (EIP) muscle is one of the muscles of the posterior deep compartment of the forearm. It is involved in the extension of the second digit at the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints 1. Summary origin: posterior surface of ulna and interosseous membrane in...
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Foramen caecum (tongue)

The foramen caecum of the tongue is the remnant of thyroglossal duct located between the anterior two-thirds and posterior third of the tongue.  Gross anatomy The foramen caecum is located in the midline on the surface of the tongue, at the apex of the terminal sulcus, the groove that marks th...
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Metopic ridge

A metopic ridge refers to a variation in skull shape, characterised by a midline forehead ridge, which may occur either due to the physiological closure of the metopic suture or as a result of craniosynostosis of this suture 1-3. It is essential to differentiate between the two conditions becaus...
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Adductor hiatus

The adductor hiatus is an opening between the adductor magnus muscle and the femur. It is also known as the hiatus magnus. Gross Anatomy adductor hiatus represents the distal end of the adductor canal it is the anatomical landmark where the femoral artery and vein transition to become the pop...
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Ciliary body (eye)

The ciliary body is the continuation of the uveal layer of the eye and functions in the production of aqueous humour and the process of lens accommodation.  Summary location: between the vitreous body and posterior chamber of the globe function: aqueous humour production and accommodati...
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Posterior meningeal artery

The posterior meningeal artery is the largest artery supplying the dura of the posterior cranial fossa. It may arise from the ascending pharyngeal artery, or less commonly, the occipital artery. The artery may enter the cranial vault through the jugular foramen, foramen magnum or the hypoglossal...
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Thoracic splanchnic nerves

The thoracic splanchnic nerves are three paired autonomic nerves that provide sympathetic innervation of the abdominopelvic viscera and vessels. They contain efferent and afferent fibres. Gross anatomy Three pairs of thoracic splanchnic nerves arise from the T5 to T12 sympathetic ganglia. Gre...
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Somatic nervous system

The somatic nervous system (SNS) is a subdivision of the peripheral nervous system which provides innervation to the somatic structures of the body, that is the parts excluding the viscera, smooth muscle, and glands. The SNS is distributed throughout the body through somatosensory neurones with...
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Phrenic plexus

The phrenic plexus (plural: plexuses) is an autonomic nerve plexus and ganglia in the upper abdomen. It is a lateral epiarterial extension of the coeliac plexus. Summary location: the bilateral ganglia and plexuses lie along the inferior phrenic arteries origin: preganglionic sympathetic fibr...
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Renal plexus

The renal plexus (plural: plexuses) is an autonomic nerve plexus and ganglia located in the upper abdomen and is a lateral perivascular extension of the aorticorenal plexus. Summary location: bilateral plexuses and ganglia lie on the renal arteries lateral to the aorticorenal plexuses origin:...
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Aorticorenal plexus

The aorticorenal plexus (plural: plexuses) is an autonomic nerve plexus and ganglia located in the upper abdomen and is an inferior perivascular extension of the larger coeliac plexus. Some descriptions separate the aortic and aorticorenal plexuses but they are considerably interconnected and co...
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Hepatic plexus

The hepatic plexus (plural: plexuses) is an autonomic nerve plexus and ganglia  located in the upper abdomen. Most descriptions are of a periarterial extension of the coeliac plexus along the common hepatic artery and portal vein. Summary location: the plexus and ganglia extends to the right f...
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Inferior cervical ganglion

The inferior cervical ganglion (plural: ganglia) is the second largest ganglion of the cervical sympathetic trunk and provides autonomic innervation to the head and neck region. Gross anatomy The inferior cervical ganglion is formed by embryologically fused C7 and C8 sympathetic ganglia. It ha...
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Middle cervical ganglion

The middle cervical ganglion (plural: ganglia) is the smallest ganglion of the cervical sympathetic trunk and providing autonomic innervation to the head and neck region. Gross anatomy The middle cervical ganglion is formed by embryologically fused C5 and C6 sympathetic ganglia. It has superio...
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Coeliac plexus

The coeliac plexus (plural: plexuses) is an autonomic nerve plexus and ganglia in the upper abdomen. It is the largest major autonomic plexus. Summary location: the ganglion and plexus lie close to the coeliac trunk origin: preganglionic sympathetic fibres via the greater and l...
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Ganglion impar

The ganglion impar, also know as the ganglion of Walther, is the midline autonomic ganglion located in the lower pelvis. It is the most distal convergence of the pelvic sympathetic chain which is usually located anterior to the coccyx.  It can be found anywhere between the sacrococcygeal joint a...
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Pulmonary plexus

The pulmonary plexus is a network of autonomic nerves and ganglia situated at the pulmonary hila of each lung which regulates bronchial smooth muscle tone, submucosal glandular mucous secretion, vascular permeability and blood flow. It is derived from both the sympathetic and parasympathetic ner...
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Superior mesenteric plexus

The superior mesenteric plexus is an autonomic nerve plexus and ganglia located in the retroperitoneum. Summary location: the plexus and ganglia lie in the retroperitoneum at the origin of the superior mesenteric artery within the small bowel mesentery origin: formed from branches from ...
Article

Inferior mesenteric plexus

The inferior mesenteric plexus is an autonomic nerve plexus and ganglia located in the retroperitoneum. Summary location: the plexus and ganglia lie in the retroperitoneum at the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery origin: formed mainly from branches from the aorticorenal plexus some c...
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Gonads

The gonads (single: gonad) are the paired reproductive organs of humans responsible for the production of gametes and sex hormones. The anatomy of the gonadal arteries differs substantially between the sexes, hence they are covered separately: ovaries in the female located in the pelvis testes...
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Autonomic ganglia and plexuses

The autonomic ganglia and plexuses are a collection of ganglia where autonomic preganglionic neurones arising from the CNS synapse with postganglionic neurones outside the CNS, i.e. in the peripheral nervous system. Many of the ganglia contain nerves of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervou...

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