Non-pathological differences in the shape, course and number of human body structures. Documented with Latin terminology, bibliography and always-declared provenance.
Anatomical variants with high impact and relevance across clinical, radiological and surgical practice.
Arteria subclavia dextra aberrans (Arteria lusoria)
Distal origin from descending aorta with retroesophageal course; key cause of dysphagia lusoria and thoracic surgical hazard.
Nervus laryngeus recurrens aberrans
Arises directly from vagus trunk coursing transversely to the larynx; critical vulnerability during thyroid surgery.
Musculus sternalis
Accessory longitudinal parasternal band; can mimic neoplastic lesions on diagnostic mammography.
Lobus venae azygos
Accessory pleural fissure formed by aberrant trajectory of the azygos arch through right lung apex.
Every article declares the scrutiny it received. The levels are not equivalent.
An open, rigorous and transparent clinical reference tool designed to support therapeutic decisions and highlight research.
Prompt identification and classification of anatomical variants to prevent intraoperative complications and imaging pitfalls.
Full attribution of scientific contributions, verified ORCID linking and open publication under Creative Commons licences.
Clear distinction between formal editorial scrutiny and peer review. Immutable historical event registry without arbitrary rewrites.
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Analisi della modularità del sistema muscoloscheletrico umano condotta con strumenti informatici: le strutture funzionali vengono trattate come una rete di correlazioni, per far emergere i raggruppamenti che la sola descrizione anatomica regionale non mostra.
Variations in the branching pattern of the facial artery may affect the planning and outcome of reconstructive and aesthetic procedures in the midface. Here, we report a rare anatomical variant in which the facial artery trifurcates early into three distinct branches, including a novel buccinator branch. In January 2025, the right-sided facial artery of a 67-year-old male Caucasian cadaver, injected with colored acrylic resins, was dissected at the ICLO Teaching and Research Center (Verona, Italy). Following identification of the external carotid artery, the facial artery was traced via an oblique submandibular approach. Instead of the classical singular course, the facial artery formed a common trunk that, 2 cm distal to its origin, trifurcated within a 1 cm span along the inferior mandibular margin. The anteromedial branch followed the standard facial artery trajectory; the posterolateral (premasseteric) branch supplied the masseteric region; and the central (buccinator) branch penetrated the buccinator fascia, arborizing extensively within the muscle belly. This buccinator branch exhibited a markedly dense microvascular network not previously described. While the direct clinical impact of a single observation remains limited, awareness of such configurations may be relevant in selected surgical contexts, particularly in flap planning and in procedures involving the buccal region.
Background: The "classic" thyroid gland arterial vascularization takes into account two superior thyroid arteries (STA), two inferior thyroid arteries (ITA) and, occasionally, a thyroid ima artery (TIMA). The present review focuses on exploring the available data concerning thyroid gland arterial vascularization and its variations. Methods: Here, we analysed 49 articles from the last century, ranging from case reports to reviews concerning cadaver dissection classes, surgical intervention, and non-invasive techniques as well. Results: The harvested data clearly highlighted that: (i) the STA originates predominantly from the external carotid artery; (ii) the ITA is a branch of the thyrocervical trunk; and (iii) the TIMA is a very uncommon variant predominantly occurring to compensate for ITA absence. Conclusion: A systematic review of a highly vascularized organ is of great relevance during surgical intervention and, thus, the knowledge of normal anatomy and its modification is essential both for fact-finding and in surgery.
Published articles that have since been revised.
Introduction: Accurate knowledge of the external carotid artery (ECA) anatomy is essential for head and neck surgery, interventional procedures, and imaging interpretation. Although its branching pattern is classically described as relatively constant, clinically relevant anatomical variations are frequently encountered. Cadaveric dissection remains fundamental for identifying rare vascular configurations. Materials and Methods: During an anatomical teaching dissection of a 72-year-old male cadaver, a right-sided lateral cervicotomy was performed to expose the carotid sheath. After mobilisation of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the ECA and its proximal branches were skeletonised, allowing detailed three-dimensional assessment of their origin, calibre, and neurovascular relationships. Results: The superior thyroid artery originated from the proximal segment of the external carotid artery, in close proximity to the carotid bifurcation. The main anatomical finding was a lingual artery of relatively small initial calibre exhibiting an atypical superior trajectory: after its origin, it crossed superior to the hypoglossal nerve before continuing toward the tongue. This configuration differs from classical descriptions and modified the anatomical arrangement of Beclard’s and Pirogoff’s triangles, creating a potential site of close neurovascular contact. Conclusions: This cadaveric study describes a rare trajectory-based variant of the external carotid artery characterised by a lingual artery crossing superior to the hypoglossal nerve. Awareness of such rare patterns is essential for improving anatomical interpretation and enhancing surgical safety in the head and neck region.
Anatomical variations in pulmonary circulation, especially in the number and drainage patterns of pulmonary veins, have significant clinical implications. The typical anatomy includes four pulmonary veins, which transport oxygenated blood to the left atrium through distinct ostia. However, variations have been reported in up to 36% of cases, a discovery facilitated by advances in imaging and cadaveric dissection. This study presents the anatomical findings of supernumerary pulmonary veins observed during routine thoracic dissection of a 75-year-old female cadaver. The implications of such variations are critical in cardiothoracic and pulmonary surgery, where unrecognized anatomical differences may lead to complications, including intraoperative bleeding and incomplete resections. Knowledge of these variations is also pivotal to radiological interpretation, as misinterpretation can lead to diagnostic errors. This study emphasizes the need for clinicians to be aware of pulmonary venous variability to enhance surgical planning, reduce procedural risks, and improve patient outcomes.
Analisi della modularità del sistema muscoloscheletrico umano condotta con strumenti informatici: le strutture funzionali vengono trattate come una rete di correlazioni, per far emergere i raggruppamenti che la sola descrizione anatomica regionale non mostra.
