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Background: The most common branching pattern observed is separate origination of three branches springing from the arch of aorta: the brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery. Knowledge of anatomical variations in the origin of brachiocephalic trunk and left common carotid artery from the arch of aorta are important in avoiding surgical and accidental injuries during aortic instrumentation, thoracic and neck surgeries.

Background: A detailed Knowledge of these variations in motor branching patterns will help the surgeons when certain procedures are done for calf reduction and also when selective neurectomy is required. It is also required by the anesthetists to give neurolytic blocks. Subjects and Methods: 40 formalin-fixed lower limbs of adult human cadavers were selected. The origin of the tibial nerve, variations in a branching pattern, number of muscular branches given was studied by dissection. The Level of origin of these nerves was taken to the apex of the head of the fibula (AHF). Results: In 70 % of specimens the origin of the Tibial Nerve was < 12 cm and in 30 % it was between 12-24 cm above the level of AHF. In 10% of cases, the sural nerve originated from the nerve to the medial head of gastrocnemius (MHG). In 82.5% of specimens, the MHG received one branch from the tibial nerve and in 17.5% it received two branches. The lateral head of Gastrocnemius (LHG) received one branch from the tibial nerve. In 10%, there was a common branch for the LHG and the soleus muscle. 90% of specimens had one branch and 10% had two branches that supplied the soleus muscle. A single branch supplied the plantaris muscle. The popliteus muscle also received a single branch. Conclusion : The results in the study provide information that is required by the anatomists, surgeons, radiologists and anesthetists.

Background: Tibial nerve is the largest branch of the sciatic nerve. From the back of thigh the tibial nerve passes vertically downward along the middle line of popliteal fossa. In the lower part of the fossa it is overlapped by the two heads of gastrocnemius and enters the posterior crural region accompanied by the posterior tibial vessels under cover of the tendinous origin of soleus muscle. The study was done to find the motor branching pattern of the tibial nerve.

Background: Knowledge of the branching pattern of arch of aorta is important in avoiding surgical and accidental injuries during aortic instru- mentation, thoracic and neck surgeries. Subjects and Methods: The present study is based on dissections that were performed on 50 properly embalmed human cadaver specimens. The anatomical variations of arch of aorta and its branches, diameter of its branches at site of origin and distance of each branch from the point of origin to median plane were measured. Results: The usual three branched pattern of arch of aorta was found in 36 specimens (72%). The common trunk for both brachiocephalic trunk and left common carotid artery was present in 10 specimens (20%). In 2 specimens (4%), the arch gives four branches, left vertebral artery being additional branch. In 1 specimen (2%), the arch gives three branches namely; common trunk for brachiocephalic trunk and left common carotid artery, left vertebral artery and left subclavian artery. In 1 specimen (2%), the arch gives three branches namely; brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery and common trunk for left vertebral artery and left subclavian artery. Conclusion: The results in this study provide significant information vital for anatomists, cardiovascular surgeons and radiologists.