Anatomia, Volume 2, Issue 2 (June 2023) – 6 articles

The omasum is the third compartment of the ruminant stomach, which is also considered a water absorption organ and participates in the absorption of volatile fatty acids (VFA), minerals, electrolytes, and fluids. The most important morphological parameter of the omasum is the available absorption area, which depends on the size and number of the omasal laminae, and is variable among different ruminants and based on differences in their daily diets. Optimal omasum development in the transition period to ruminant life can enhance animal performance, so identifying the best diet for this period is crucial for producers. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of two diets based on 8 L of milk replacer with the inclusion of concentrate or forage on the development of the omasum in twenty newborn male Holstein calves divided into two groups. The first group was fed alfalfa hay, and the second was administered a balanced commercial starter feed, both groups ad libitum. After standard dissection of the omasum of both calf groups, the omasal laminae were classified as primary, secondary, and tertiary, and their surface area was calculated. Regarding the number of first-, second-, and third-order laminae, a significant difference was only observed in the number of third-order laminae in favor of the forage-fed group (p = 0.04). The laminar surface area indicated that the area of the primary, secondary, and tertiary sheets, and the total laminar area, were greater in the forage group (p < 0.05). The length of the omasal papillae recorded with the scanning electron microscope showed that the papillae near the ostium reticulo-omasicum tended to be significantly longer in the forage-fed group (p = 0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that significant anatomical differences can be observed between two groups of animals of the same species and rearing stage that were fed with two different diets within a period of less than two months. This highlights the remarkable plasticity and adaptability of the ruminant stomach. Full article

The pioneer Swiss naturalist René-Édouard Claparède (1832–1871), professor at the University of Geneva, left important contributions to diverse areas of natural science, biology, and comparative anatomy, including the structure of infusoria, annelids, and earthworms, the evolution of arthropods, and the embryology of spiders. He also published observations on marine invertebrates. This essay presents a brief overview of his academic life and work and makes the distinction from his nephew with the same name, the neurologist and educational psychologist Édouard Claparède (1873–1840). Full article

Immersive virtual reality with the use of 3D holography is a new method that is being currently introduced for teaching anatomy, yet the actual educational benefits associated with its use remain unclear. Here, we present our preliminary observations and conclusions after the pilot phase of the study on a 3D holographic human heart. The study was conducted on a group of 96 students of medical faculty. Students were randomly divided into two groups: 57 students who were taught anatomy using traditional methods (plastinated human hearts, anatomical models, and atlases) and 39 students who were taught using 3D holographic hearts. Assessment of knowledge retention of the heart anatomy comprised 3 tests, which were performed 1 week and 3 and 6 months after the classes on heart anatomy. We have found that although anatomical classes with the use of immersive virtual reality were attractive for students; still, unsupervised teaching with the use of 3D holograms was not superior to traditional medical education. Differences between the groups in terms of anatomical knowledge retention were not statistically significant. Results of this pilot study suggest that in order to achieve better knowledge retention and understanding of the anatomy of the heart, classes should be precisely planned and strictly supervised by academic teachers. Moreover, students should get familiar with the use of virtual reality goggles before the classes. Full article

The distinctive long neck of the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) entails functional difficulties brought about by the extended distance between the heart and the head. Blood must be circulated over 2 m from the heart to the brain against gravitational force. The natural movement of the head to ground level would result in a large volume of blood moving toward the brain with the force of gravity. Large blood volumes also rush to the brain during bulls’ fighting (necking), rendering the giraffe susceptible to possible brain damage. The natural movement of the head from ground level to fully erect would result in blood moving away from the brain with gravitational force. The lack of blood perfusing the brain can cause fainting. The giraffe, however, suffers neither brain damage nor fainting. What adaptations do giraffes have to counteract these challenges? The aim of this study was to investigate the functionality of the rostral epidural rete mirabile situated just beneath the brain and its possible contribution to successful circulation in long-necked giraffes. The unique rostral epidural rete mirabile structure significantly contributes to counteract physiological challenges. Turns and bends characterize this structural arterial meshwork and subsequently an increased artery length through which blood flow must proceed before entrance into the brain, exerting resistance to blood racing to the brain when the head is lowered to the ground. The brain is supplied mainly by the maxillary artery through the carotid rete, with a rudimentary basilar artery not contributing to the brain’s blood supply. The resistance to blood flow due to the structure and position of the rostral epidural rete mirabile when the head is in the upright position is counteracted by the unique carotid-vertebral anastomosis allowing immediate cerebral blood supply. The rostral epidural rete mirabile structure in giraffes is an essential feature balancing physiological difficulties arising due to the extensive heart-to-head distance and might fulfill the same function in other long-necked artiodactyls. Full article

The objective of this paper was to describe the anatomy of the stifle joint (Articulatio genus) of the pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus, Linnaeus, 1758) by dissection and imaging studies. Twenty-six pelvic limbs were used for gross dissection, and four stifle regions from two animals were used for radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The stifle joint of the pampas deer comprised the femoropatellar joint (joint between the distal part of the femur and the patella), and the femorotibial joint joined the femoral condyles to the proximal extremity of the tibia. The general anatomy of the stifle joint, including the overall morphology of the joint with its bones, complementary parts, means of attachment, and anatomical relationships, was like that of other ruminant species of similar size. Imaging techniques such as MRI allow adequate visualization of most components of the stifle joint. Full article

While relatively uncommon, a duplication of the inferior vena cava is moderately well-discussed in the literature. This anatomical variation was noted in a 69-year-old white female donor. This variation is typically asymptomatic; however, it can be associated with complications, such as confusion with a mediastinal mass, increased risk for thromboembolism, and hemorrhage during surgery. It is also associated with a handful of comorbidities, including, but not limited to, congenital renal anomalies such as horseshoe kidney or fused crossed kidney. Research supports that the variation of a duplicated IVC (DIVC) can be due to a failure of the left supracardinal vein to regress during embryonic development. Full article