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A historical perspective on the discovery of the accessory duct of the pancreas, the ampulla 'of Vater' and pancreas divisum.

The discovery of the accessory duct of the pancreas is usually ascribed to Giovanni Domenico Santorini (1681-1737), after whom this structure is named. The papilla duodeni (ampulla 'of Vater', or papilla 'of Santorini') is named after Abraham Vater (1684-1751) or after GD Santorini. Pancreas divisum, a persistence through non-fusion of the embryonic dorsal and ventral pancreas is a relatively common clinical condition, the discovery of which is usually ascribed to Joseph Hyrtl (1810-1894). In this review I report that pancreas divisum, the accessory duct and the papilla duodeni (ampulla 'of Vater') had all been observed and the observations published during the 17th century by at least seven anatomists before Santorini, Vater, and Hyrtl. I further suggest, in the light of frequent anatomical misattributions in common usage, that anatomical structures be referred to only by their proper anatomical names.

Ampulla of Vater↗

Hepatitis in clinical laboratories 1973-74.

The survey of laboratories in 1970-72 was continued by a questionnaire to members of the Association of Clinical Pathologists covering the next two years. Hepatitis B accounted for 14 of the 32 cases reported from 28 laboratories. A moderate excess of laboratories reporting hepatitis tested speciments from transplant units. The average attack rate for staff of all types was 143 per 100 000 with higher rates for science-biochemists (308), medical morbid anatomists (302), and haematology technicians (292). No case was fatal and only seven required hospital admission. The findings confirm the need for continued vigilance and precautions but do not justify alarm.

Adult↗

William Hewson's studies of red blood corpuscles and the evolving concept of a cell membrane.

The botanist Carl Nägeli is generally considered to have laid the basis for the cell membrane concept by his 1855 study of the osmotic properties of plant cells. It is shown here that William Hewson in 1773 presented cogent experimental evidence for the concept of a cell membrane in red blood corpuscles. Although his work was largely confirmed in subsequent studies, and a cell membrane became an attribute of the cell in T. Schwann's cell theory, the idea of a cell membrane was rejected by anatomists in 1861 essentially on theoretical grounds, and plant physiologists did not mention Hewson's pioneering endeavour. As a consequence, Hewson's work has been ignored to this day. A broad cell membrane concept then had to await the ingenious work of Overton, started in 1895. The possible reasons for these lapses in scientific recognition are analyzed.

Animals↗

On the purported discovery of the bronchial circulation by Leonardo da Vinci.

Among modern physiologists and anatomists, there has been a nearly universal acceptance that Leonardo da Vinci was the first to identify the anatomy of the bronchial circulation. However, because of certain ambiguities in both his anatomic drawing that was supposed to have shown this circulation and the accompanying descriptive text, we questioned whether he really could have been the first to discover this small but important vasculature. To address this question, we set out to repeat Leonardo's dissections in the ox. We reasoned that perhaps the normally tiny bronchial vessels would be considerably more noticeable in this very large species. Our dissections, however, failed to provide any evidence that Leonardo's drawing was that of the bronchial circulation. Furthermore we observed a set of distinct small pulmonary veins to the left upper and right middle lobes that Leonardo, given his lack of understanding of the function of the lung and its circulation, could have easily mistaken for a separate circulation. We thus conclude that Leonardo da Vinci did not describe the anatomy of the bronchial circulation. We believe that the first person to clearly and unequivocally describe the anatomy of this circulation was the Dutch Professor of Anatomy and Botany, Frederich Ruysch.

Anatomy, Artistic↗

Berengario da Carpi.

Berengario da Carpi was magister of anatomy and surgery at the University of Bologna from 1502 to 1527. Eustachio and Falloppia defined him as 'the restaurator of anatomy'. He was a great surgeon, anatomist and physician of illustrious patients including Lorenzo II dei Medici, Giovanni dalle Bande Nere, Galeazzo Pallavicini, Cardinal Colonna, and Alessandro Soderini. He had strong links to the intellectuals of his time (Forni, Bonamici, Manuzio, Pomponazzi) as well as with the Medici family. He was respected by the Popes Julius II, Leo X and Clement VII. His main contributions are the Isogogae Breves, De Fractura calvae sive cranei, and the illustrated Commentaria on the Anatomy of Mondino de Liucci, a textbook utilized for more than 200 years, which Berengario aimed to restore to its initial text. The Commentaria constitutes the material for the last part of this paper which concludes with a personal translation of some passages on 'The kidney', where the author gives poignant examples of experimental ingenuity.

Anatomy↗

Wirsung and Santorini: the men behind the ducts.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, several important discoveries were accomplished by anatomists whose contribution has enlightened the most important anatomic structures of the pancreas. Following the earliest discoveries, researchers of several medical specialities further investigated the ductal pancreatic system. The accessory pancreatic duct with its minor papilla, the main pancreatic duct and the papilla major along with the confluence of the main pancreatic duct with the bile duct and pancreas divisum, have been the objects of interest of several personalities of the medical history. Eponyms in pancreatic anatomy were given to remember some of them, although anatomical misattributions are frequent and controversial. The aim of the authors was to dedicate a small tribute to the researchers who have written, during the last 500 years, important chapters of the medical history and who dedicated their lives to study the pancreatic ducts and their duodenal endings. Furthermore, a brief outlook was dedicated to the impact of anatomic variations and of embryologic anomalies of the pancreatic ducts in our clinical practice and in our actual understanding of duct-related diseases. The authors are confident that the genial curiosity of few extraordinary personalities of the past and the opportunities provided by modern technology continue to play a major role that may finally add wisdom to decision-making in dealing with duct-related biliopancreatic diseases and safety to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures employed.

Ampulla of Vater↗

Semicentennial tribute to the ingenious neurobiologist Christfried Jakob (1866-1956). 1. Works from Germany and the first Argentina period, 1891-1913.

This study, and the companion paper that follows, pays homage to the life and work of Christfried (also Christian or Christofredo) Jakob, a German-born neuropathologist who adopted Argentina as his country of vocation. Rated by von Economo and Koskinas among the three most important pre-1925 cortical neuro-anatomists, alongside Ramón y Cajal, Jakob is little known in the English literature. He has left an impressive record of publications, 30 richly illustrated monographs and 200 articles that span over a vast array of neurological themes, including cortical development and evolution, and the visceral brain. The present paper reviews works from his German years and the first visit to Argentina in 1899-1910. The companion paper covers his works (all in Spanish) during his 'second Argentina period', after 1913.

Brain↗

Louis Pierre Gratiolet (1815-1865): the cerebral lobes and fissures.

Early anatomists referred to parts of the brain as 'posterior' and 'anterior.' But after comparing many primate brains, Gratiolet noticed a pattern of folds or sulci and convolutions marked by fissures of increasing complexity in the more advanced mammalian brains. The primary fissures he could also identify in the smoother ape brains. He was the first to separate four brain lobes (frontal, parietal, temporosphenoidal, occipital) and a fifth central lobe or insula. He demonstrated a sequence of closure of the cranial sutures, and he identified and named the optic radiation. Because he was reluctant to equate brain size with intelligence, Gratiolet was involved in a prolonged polemic with Broca.

Animals↗

History of Clarke's stereotactic instrument.

The first original stereotactic instrument was designed by the turn of this century by the British surgeon, anatomist, and physiologist Robert Henry Clarke. In 1905 James Swift, in London, constructed the first machine, 'Clarke's stereoscopic instrument employed for excitation and electrolysis'. It was first used in 1906 by Clarke and Victor Horsley to create minute electrolytic lesions in the CNS of animals. The stereotactic apparatus was patented by Clarke in 1914 and cost 300 pounds. Two further instruments were made by Goodwin and Velacott in London and brought to the United States to be used for animal research. The principal of these machines constitutes the basis of modern stereoguides for human use designed after World War II. Clarke's original instrument was last used by Dr Barrington, a genitourinary surgeon in London in the early 1950s. It then disappeared but parts were detected by Dr Hitchcock in 1960 and the complete machine by Dr Merrington in 1970. It can now be found at the museum of University College Hospital in London.

History, 19th Century↗

The forebrain of the blind cave fish Astyanax hubbsi (Characidae). I. General anatomy of the telencephalon.

This paper presents a survey of the cell groups in the telencephalon of the teleost Astyanax hubbsi, based on series of transverse sections stained with the Nissl-Klüver-Barrera and Bodian procedures. The work was conducted for two reasons. Firstly, it was intended to determine the contribution of the forebrain of blind cave fish to certain forms of behavior. An understanding of the anatomy of the telencephalic organization is essential for such a neuroethological approach. The second purpose was to provide the cytoarchitectural basis for the experimental analysis of the fiber connectivity of the telencephalon of A. hubbsi. Furthermore, information about the forebrain of characids is widely lacking, and this study may thus provide important knowledge about the cellular organization of characid forebrains for comparative anatomists. The brain of A. hubbsi is slender and elongated. Both optic nerves and optic tectum are reduced. Three longitudinal sulci-s. ypsiliformis, s. externus and s. limitans telencephali-can be distinguished in the telencephalon. A fiber lamina reaching from the s. externus to the s. limitans telencephali separates the area dorsalis (D) from the area ventralis telencephali (V). The two hemispheres are connected by fibers decussating in the anterior commissure. Although cross sections revealed no distinct fiber laminae between cytoarchitectonic components, 17 cell masses could be delineated: ten of these belong to D, seven to V. The topological analysis yielded the following results. The dorsal telencephalon D consists of three longitudinal columns, termed pars medialis (Dm), pars dorsalis and centralis (Dd and Dc) considered together, and par lateralis (Dl), which converge into a uniform posterior part (Dp). The columns can be divided into several subregions: Dm1 and Dm2, as well as Dlv and Dld, precommissurally, Dm3 and Dm4 postcommisurally. At polus posterior levels nucleus tenia can be identified. The ventral telencephalon (V) is arranged precommissurally in a periventricular neuronal column consisting of a dorsal (Vd) and ventral (Vv) part. Additionally, a lateral part (VI) is delineated. More caudally, a supracommissural part (Vs), a commissural part (Vc), a posterior part (Vp), and nucleus entopeduncularis are identified. This topological organization reflects many features characteristic for actinopterygian forebrains.

Animals↗

Acetylcholinesterase enzyme localization in the amygdala: a comparative histochemical and ultrastructural study.

The distribution of acetylcholinesterase enzyme was studied in the amygdala of some rodents, subprimates and several primates. The cytoarchitecture of the amygdala has presented various problems to anatomists, including the question as to how many nuclear groups and subgroups should be identified. Among the mammals examined, the arrangement of the amygdaloid nuclei is remarkably uniform and no clear phylogenetic trend can be recognised. Although there are minor differences, there seems to be a general similarity between most mammals examined in so far as the distribution of cholinesterase is concerned. The staining is less intense in the brains of the monkeys examined. The sole exception to the rule, that cholinesterase distribution is slightly different from nucleus to nucleus in different animals, is the magnocellular part of the basal nucleus. This amygdaloid nucleus stains quite strongly in all animals examined. From these findings, and those of others studying the distribution of choline acetyltransferase, it was concluded that the basal amygdaloid nucleus is cholinergic and possible cholinoceptive. The ultrastructural investigations appear to confirm this point. This is particularly applicable to the magnocellular part of the basal amygdaloid nucleus.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

A new method for practicing exploration, dissection, and simulation with a complete computerized three-dimensional model of the brain and skull.

In current practice, anatomical atlases are based on a collection of planar images presented in a book or, recently, stored on digital media. We present a new kind of interactive true three-dimensional (3D) anatomical atlases based on a volume model derived from MRI and CT. The model has a two-layer structure. The lower level is a volume model with a set of semantic attributes connected to each voxel. The semantic attributes are assigned by an anatomist using a volume editor. THe upper level represents a set of relations between these attributes. Interactive visualization tools such as multiple surface display, preparation of transparent material and cutting are provided. It is shown that the combination of this model with advanced tools for volume visualization provides the 'look and feel' of real dissection. The system therefore represents a bridge between real dissection of a cadaver and textbooks and classical atlases of anatomy. First tests have shown that the atlas system may be used successfully for teaching anatomy, but also as a reference for radiologists or surgeons. The powerful underlying data structure potentially includes all classical visual teaching aids. As a replacement of classical atlases, however, spatial resolution has still to be improved.

Anatomy↗

Correlating sheet plastinated slices, computed tomography images and magnetic resonance images of the pelvic girdle: a teaching tool.

Sheet plastination is currently used to produce anatomical slices of different body structures, allowing one to study and teach their topography in an anatomically correct state. Correlation with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques gives more insight into their anatomy. Using two female cadaver pelvises CT and MRI were performed. One pelvis was used to prepare 2-mm-thick coronal plastinated slices according to the technique described by von Hagens. We found a good overall correlation between plastinated slices, CT and MRI images. This combined approach provides a unique anatomical insight and is a valuable addition to other teaching tools used by medical students, radiologists and anatomists.

Anatomy, Cross-Sectional↗

Nephrology from the middle ages to humanism: the Italian influence in Spain (12th-16th centuries).

The influence of medieval Italian medicine first reached Catalonia via Montpellier. Physicians from Salerno are known to have worked in Aragon, and many Italian medical and surgical texts circulated in Catalonia. By the end of the 15th century it was Valencia that maintained close ties with Italy, and in the 1st third of the 16th century, at the height of Renaissance humanism, the Castilian universities became the greatest Spanish patrons of medicine. Post-Vesalian anatomists were active and many Castilian doctors were educated in Italy. In both medieval and Renaissance Spain the most commonly described renal pathology was lithiasis. The works of Joanes Jacobi (14th century) and Julian Guttierez (15th century) are outstanding, and foreshadow the monograph on lithiasis by Sanchez de Oropesa (16th century) and the work of Francisco Diaz, probably the greatest Spanish contributor to modern nephrology. He devoted 3 books of his collected professional experience to lithiasis, renal ulcers and sores, kidney inflammation and other processes including haematuria. His view of renal anatomy was totally modern, and he strongly advocated autopsy as a means of determining the cause of death. This underlines the new anatomopathological approach to investigation that was adopted in Renaissance Spain.

History, 15th Century↗

Endovaginal sonographic diagnosis of craniorachischisis at 13 weeks of gestation.

A rare case of craniorachischisis associated with trisomy 18 is described. The diagnosis was made by endovaginal sonography during the first trimester of pregnancy. The case is interesting for two reasons. First, it confirms the importance of carrying out an accurate sonographic examination during the first trimester. Second, it shows us that the postmortem examination should be performed by an experienced anatomist: embryos need to be embedded in paraffin wax for microscopic observation and, at present, little is known about the abnormalities of embryo anatomy.

Adult↗

Fibre in nutrition.

The physical properties and the chemical variety of the substances which make up the plant cell wall are inadequately described by any one term such as "fibre". It would seem that an understanding of the role of the unavailable carbohydrates and lignin in the diet in the functioning of the gastro-intestinal tract and on possible pathological process must be based on a better knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of these substances as they occur in foods than is at present available. It is suggested that this knowledge can come from a synthesis of the findings of the plant anatomists, plant biochemists and structural organic chemists and the application of this synthesis to studies in man.

Animals↗

Anatomic-electrophysiological correlations concerning the pathways for atrioventricular conduction.

The remarkable success of radiofrequency ablation in recent decades in curing atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardias has intensified efforts to provide a solid theoretical basis for understanding the mechanisms of atrioventricular transmission. These efforts, which were made by both anatomists and electrophysiologists, frequently resulted in seemingly controversial observations. Quantitatively and qualitatively, our understanding of the mysteries of propagation through the inhomogeneous and extremely complex atrioventricular conduction axis is much deeper than it was at the beginning of the past century. We must go back to the initial sources, nonetheless, in an attempt to provide a common ground for evaluating the morphological and electrophysiological principles of junctional arrhythmias. In this review, we provide an account of the initial descriptions, which still provide an appropriate foundation for interpreting recent electrophysiological findings.

Atrioventricular Node↗

Workshop on airway smooth muscle. Summary of a conference held September 25-27 1983.

Airway smooth muscle contraction and the extreme sensitivity of the airway smooth muscle responses to various stimuli are accepted as key factors in the pathogenesis of asthma and are recognized to be important in other diseases (e.g., bronchitis and cystic fibrosis). A Workshop on Airway Smooth Muscle sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (September 25 to 27, 1983) identified various avenues of future research. Smooth muscle anatomists pointed to the paucity of quantitative information on airway smooth muscle structure, especially electron microscopic information and details of the neural arrangement. Investigations of the neural network, similar to those that have led to important discoveries in the gut, are urgently needed. Now that intramural ganglia can be studied electrophysiologically (and in vivo!), new information concerning possible local neural modulation can be examined. A similar lack of information was found in the biochemical study of airway smooth muscle. Among potential causes of abnormalities in asthmatic muscles are alterations in membrane channels and pumps, receptor transduction processes, cGMP-mediated processes, and other metabolic pathways. Inflammation and inflammatory mediators appear to play important roles in disease of airway smooth muscle. Utilization of cell isolation and culture, and immunologic and other cell biologic and biochemical methods will accelerate the study of the various cells in the airways, their interactions, and their roles in disease. Of special potential importance are peptide and lipid mediators produced by various airway cells. Development of synthetic analogues and antagonists, including monoclonal antibodies, will provide more specific tools for dissecting these cell-to-cell interactions. Regardless of the level of study--from examination of the whole organism to molecular mechanisms--the fact is that there is no entirely satisfactory animal "model" of asthma or asthmatic muscle, presumably because we do not fully understand the etiology and pathogenesis of asthma. This makes it all the more important to take appropriate opportunities to obtain tissue from asthmatics for laboratory study. Relatively simple, careful studies of asthmatic smooth muscle may prove important, unique insights into its possible abnormalities.

Asthma↗