Morphological variations of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle assume relevance during attempted surgical interventions in the cervical region. The present study reports bipartite clavicular attachment of the SCM in the neck of an adult male cadaver during performance of a routine anatomy demonstration. The anomaly was unilaterally observed on the left side of the neck. The clavicular head of the muscle exhibited two bellies, one medial and one lateral. While the medial belly was fused with the sternal head, the lateral belly appeared to blend with the medial. Cranially, the SCM attached to the mastoid process and superior nuchal line. We have attempted to elucidate the embryological basis of the above muscular variant. Additionally, we discuss its clinical relevance, highlighting the utility of the SCM in various reconstructive procedures. We assert that detailed anatomical knowledge of such SCM variants is of utility not only to the gross anatomist, but also for neck and orthopaedic surgeons and anaesthetists. Moreover, radiologists require familiarity with such aberrations to decipher magnetic resonance imaging scans of the cervical region.

CONTEXT:The medial end of the posterior border of the sphenoid bone presents the anterior clinoid process (ACP), which is usually accessed for operations involving the clinoid space and the cavernous sinus. The ACP is often connected to the middle clinoid process (MCP) by a ligament known as the caroticoclinoid ligament (CCL), which may be ossifi ed, forming the caroticoclinoid foramen (CCF). Variations in the ACP other than ossifi cation are rare. The ossifi ed CCL may have compressive effects on the internal carotid artery. Thus, anatomical and radiological knowledge of the ACP and the clinoid space is also important when operating on the internal carotid artery. Excision of the ACP may be required for many skull-based surgical procedures, and the presence of any anomalies such as ossifi ed CCL may pose a problem for neurosurgeons. CASE REPORT:We observed the presence of ossifi ed CCL in a skull bone. A detailed radiological study of the CCL and the CCF was conducted. Morphometric measurements were recorded and photographs were taken. The ACP was connected to the MCP and was converted into a CCF. Considering the fact that standard anatomy textbooks do not provide morphological descriptions and radiological evaluations of the CCL, the present study may be important for neurosurgeons operating in the region of the ACP.

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The right lung classically has two fissures, an oblique and a horizontal, dividing it into three lobes namely the superior, middle and lower. The anomaly of the lobar pattern has been described by many research workers on CT scans, where as, there are fewer studies on gross anatomical specimens. In the present case , which was incidentally detected, we report three fissures dividing the right lung into four lobes. Such abnormal fissures and lobes are clinically important for identifying broncho-pulmonary segments. Anatomical knowledge of anomalies of fissures and lobes of lungs may be important for surgeons performing lobectomies, radiologists interpreting X ray and CT scans and also of academic interest to all medical personnel.