BACKGROUNDSurvival of the foetus depends upon the state of the umbilical cord and the vascularity that it provides. So naturally umbilical cord morphometry and its variations were assumed to be a significant cause for foetal death.The aim of this study was to study the morphological changes in the umbilical cord and its vasculature seen in dead foetuses.

BACKGROUNDThe stature of an individual is used to establish the identity of a person medicolegally. The stature is calculated from the length of long bones. This study is an effort to derive regression equations for the reconstruction of length of femur from its fragments. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis is a descriptive study using hundred and twenty-one dry femurs from Department of Anatomy, Govt. Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. Length of femur and the dimensions of its proximal segments were measured using osteometric board and Vernier callipers respectively. RESULTSAll the five parameters of the proximal segment show significant relation with length of femur (p value < 0.001) of which intertrochanteric distance (EF) shows maximum correlation. Regression equations for estimating femoral length from the length of proximal fragments were derived by linear regression analysis. CONCLUSIONRegression equations derived in this study are helpful to estimate the stature in medicolegal investigations and in anthropometry. BACKGROUNDThe stature of an individual is used to establish the identity of a person medicolegally. The stature is calculated from the length of long bones. Length of long bones of lower limb particularly of femur and tibia has a direct correlation to the height of an individual. Damage to long bones is common and in such cases reconstruction of height of the body is very difficult. For the identification of missing persons projection of stature from bones plays an important role. Fragments of long bones are usually the only medicolegal evidence available after post-mortem gnawing by wild animals, mutilation and injuries. The femoral length and stature of individuals are determined from fragments of the upper end of femur, shaft and distal end of the femur.

Context: The obturator artery (OA) originates from the internal iliac artery (IIA), and it runs on the lateral pelvic wall to leave through the obturator canal. It can have a varied source of origin. A small pelvic space makes it susceptible to injury during repair of femoral and inguinal hernias and pelvic surgeries. Unexpected injury of an aberrant OA can be avoided only with a thorough knowledge of its anatomy. Aim: This study aims to estimate the prevalence and describe the course of aberrant obturator arteries. Settings and Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional, cadaveric study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, India. Materials and Methods: Sixty-four hemipelvices were dissected. Variations in the origin, course, and relations of the OA were observed and noted. Statistical Analysis Used: The results were tabulated, and the prevalence of each variation was calculated. Results: Variations were seen in 40.6% cases. OA originated from inferior epigastric artery (23.4%), external iliac artery (3.1%), posterior division of IIA and iliolumbar artery (1.5%), superior gluteal artery (6.2%), internal pudendal artery (1.5%), and inferior gluteal artery (3.1%) cases. Arterial corona mortis, a tortuous anastomotic channel connecting OA (originating from IIA) and inferior epigastric artery was seen along with venous connections in one specimen. Conclusions: Aberrant origins of OA pose a high risk for significant hemorrhage in trauma and various surgeries. Hence, a sound anatomical knowledge of its origin and course is vital while repairing fractures and hernias in this region.

Background: Anatomy of the pectoral nerves is very important for surgeons who plan pectoral nerve grafts, breast augmentation surgeries, and radical mastectomies. The correlates given in literature are contradictory in nature. Hence, a study was planned to elucidate the anatomy of lateral pectoral nerves (LPNs). Methodology: 40 pectoral regions of embalmed cadavers were dissected. Number, location, length, diameter, branches, and distribution of the LPN were noted. They were grouped according to the number and pattern of origin. Results: Two LPN were found in 77.5% of the specimens, with origins from the lateral cord of brachial plexus either from a common point (45%) or separately (32.5%). Superior LPN (SLPN) was closely related to cephalic vein, had a mean length of 4.7 cm, diameter of 1.9 mm and had two branches supplying clavicular head of pectoralis major. A shorter SLPN of average length 1.55 cm was noted when it pierced the pectoralis minor muscle proximally (32.5%). Inferior LPN (ILPN) was closely related to thoracoacromial vessels, had a mean length of 3.6 cm, diameter 1.7 mm and had two branches, one supplying sternocostal head of pectoralis major and the other communicating with medial pectoral nerve. In 95% of the specimens, both these nerves could be identified just below the clavicle, at the junction between its middle and lateral thirds. In cases with single LPN (7 specimens), it branched into SLPN and ILPN. Conclusion: The anatomy of LPN is variable and important while exploring the pectoral region during surgeries.

BACKGROUND Human umbilical cord contains two arteries and one vein with their tunica intima and tunica media layers. The role of tunica adventitia is fulfilled by Wharton’s jelly, a mucoid connective tissue. The function of Wharton’s jelly is to prevent the vessels from compression and torsion which is essential for foetal development. The purpose of the study was to estimate the importance of Wharton’s jelly in the growth of the foetus. METHODS Umbilical cord tissue collected from each case was immediately put in 10 % formalin for fixation. Slides were then stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin. These slides were then read under light microscopy and measurements were taken using a photomicrograph. Wharton’s jelly area was calculated by subtracting the total vessel area from the umbilical cord area. RESULTS The histological measurements of umbilical vessels include the external diameter, lumen diameter, wall thickness, thickness of tunica intima and tunica media, and the area. The mean area of the umbilical cord was 35.73 ±23.04 mm2 (Mean ± SD) and the mean area of the Wharton’s jelly was 29.74 ± 19.26 mm2. There was a significant difference in the external diameter and wall thickness of the umbilical artery. Analyses showed that there was a significantly (P < 0.01) increased external diameter and wall thickness of umbilical artery in normal cases, compared to single umbilical artery cases. CONCLUSIONS There was a significant positive correlation between the gestational age and the external diameter of the umbilical cord. There was a significant difference in the external diameter of the umbilical cord between SUA cases (4.45 mm) and the other foetuses with normal umbilical cord (6.53 mm). There was a significantly increased external diameter, lumen diameter, wall thickness and area of umbilical vein in normal cases, compared to single umbilical artery cases. There was a significantly increased area of umbilical cord and area of Wharton’s jelly in normal umbilical cord foetuses than foetuses with a single umbilical artery. KEY WORDS Foetus, Umbilical Cord, Wharton’s Jelly, Umbilical Artery, Umbilical Vein, Light Microscopy