The ansa cervicalis is a loop of nerves that is usually formed by the union of ventral rami of spinal nerves C1, C2, and C3. It is located in the carotid triangle of the neck, lying superficial to the carotid sheath. During routine dissection, unilateral variation of the ansa cervicalis was observed. The superior root, arising from hypoglossal nerve, was initially bifurcated and later united to form a single superior root. IN addition, the inferior root consisted of fibres arising from the spinal accessory nerve, C1, C2 and C3 spinal nerves that joined separately. Fibres from the spinal accessory and C1 joined to form a single root. Thus, a 'triple form' of ansa cervicalis was observed. An interconnection was observed between the C2 and C3 fibres. Knowledge of such anatomical variations is important for surgery, clinical intervention or trauma involving the carotid triangle or the structures within or deep to this region.

Context: Facial artery is usually the main artery supplying the face. It gives three named branches on the face, the inferior labial, the superior labial and the lateral nasal and continues as the angular artery. Face is also supplied by the transverse facial artery and the arteries accompanying the cutaneous nerves. Aim: In the present study, variations of facial artery on face were observed. Settings & design: Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. Material & method: The present study was performed on 38 males and 12 females' formalin-fixed hemi-faces. Diameter of facial artery was noted at two specific points using a fine microcaliper. Results: The variations were divided into 3 categories. Out of 38 male hemi-faces, 100% right and 78% left hemi-faces belonged to type I category; 22% left hemi-faces belonged to Type III category. Out of 12 female hemi-faces, 80% right and 80% left hemi-faces belonged to Type I category, 18% left hemi-faces belonged to Type II category and 20% right and 2% left hemi-faces belonged to Type III category. Premasseteric branch was observed in 4 hemi-faces; a duplex with a prominent lateral angular branch was observed in 4 hemi-faces and anenlarged transverse facial artery was seen in 2 hemi-faces. The diameter of facial artery at its origin and at the antero-inferior angle of masseter muscle was larger in males. Conclusion: This study shows that the variations in the branches and the diameter of the facial artery were relatively larger in males when compared to females.

IntroductionThe posterior thoracic wall, an area drained by the azygos venous system, is a common site for surgical intervention. Since the venous part of the cardiovascular system is subject to most common variation, abnormalities in the azygos venous system are often reported.Case presentationDuring routine dissection classes for undergraduate medical students, we encountered a variation in the azygos venous system in a 65 years old south Indian male cadaver. We observed that there was no accessory azygos vein, and left 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th posterior intercostal veins terminated directly into azygos vein.ConclusionIdentifying these types of variations is important during imaging this region and surgical operations of mediastinum.