PURPOSE: In order to contribute some new elements to the discussion on the organization of the vertebral veins inside the transverse canal, we compared two dissection techniques: injection/dissection and injection/corrosion. The aim of this study was to compare these two techniques to study the vertebral veins, and also to emphasize the importance of preserving specimens in anatomical museums. METHODS: Using the injection/dissection technique, latex was injected into ten specimens, then the transverse canal was opened to expose the vertebral veins and their anastomoses. Using the injection/corrosion technique, altufix was injected into eight specimens that were afterwards plunged in sulfuric acid and washed daily until complete corrosion was obtained. RESULTS: Both techniques showed concordant results. The vertebral veins were plexuous, located ventro-laterally to the artery and received constant metamerical branches at each level. The injection/dissection technique conserved the anatomical relationships allowing metamerical analysis of the vertebral veins. The injection/corrosion technique, however, failed to conserve these relationships but provided a precise visualization of smaller anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: By analyzing different aspects of the vertebral veins anatomy in the transverse canal, the two techniques complete each other. This study emphasizes the importance of preserving the anatomical preparations: in addition to the historical and cultural value of these preparations, they contain precious information that furthers our anatomical knowledge.
PURPOSE: In order to contribute some new elements to the discussion on the organization of the vertebral veins inside the transverse canal, we compared two dissection techniques: injection/dissection and injection/corrosion. The aim of this study was to compare these two techniques to study the vertebral veins, and also to emphasize the importance of preserving specimens in anatomical museums. METHODS: Using the injection/dissection technique, latex was injected into ten specimens, then the transverse canal was opened to expose the vertebral veins and their anastomoses. Using the injection/corrosion technique, altufix was injected into eight specimens that were afterwards plunged in sulfuric acid and washed daily until complete corrosion was obtained. RESULTS: Both techniques showed concordant results. The vertebral veins were plexuous, located ventro-laterally to the artery and received constant metamerical branches at each level. The injection/dissection technique conserved the anatomical relationships allowing metamerical analysis of the vertebral veins. The injection/corrosion technique, however, failed to conserve these relationships but provided a precise visualization of smaller anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: By analyzing different aspects of the vertebral veins anatomy in the transverse canal, the two techniques complete each other. This study emphasizes the importance of preserving the anatomical preparations: in addition to the historical and cultural value of these preparations, they contain precious information that furthers our anatomical knowledge.
Authors: Piers D Mitchell; Ceridwen Boston; Andrew T Chamberlain; Simon Chaplin; Vin Chauhan; Jonathan Evans; Louise Fowler; Natasha Powers; Don Walker; Helen Webb; Annsofie Witkin Journal: J Anat Date: 2011-04-18 Impact factor: 2.610
Authors: Marc Durand; Jérémie Pourchez; Bruno Louis; Jean François Pouget; Daniel Isabey; André Coste; Jean Michel Prades; Philippe Rusch; Michèle Cottier Journal: Rhinology Date: 2011-03 Impact factor: 3.681