Clinical Anatomy and Diagnosis of Peripheral Nervous System

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 2810

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Division of Anatomy, Faculty of Dentistry, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: anatomy; radiography

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce an interesting Special Issue. This Special Issue is dedicated to the peripheral nervous system, a major division of the nervous system composed of the cranial and spinal nerves and the autonomic nervous system that mediates the relationship between the environment and the human body. The targeted articles include but are not limited to reviews and original papers on anatomical variations of cranial nerves, autonomic ganglia, and neural circuits. Anatomical studies and reviews using modern imaging techniques, such as MRI, are encouraged. Nevertheless, reports of anatomical variations are extremely useful for readers to understand the versatility of signal transmission in the peripheral nervous system. Studies of microscopic anatomy, i.e., by using certain neural markers, could be an excellent contribution to this Special Issue. Anatomical models and reviews supporting the relevant physiological and physiopathological processes could demonstrate how the shape determines the function. Improving this specific knowledge of the peripheral nervous system could also be accomplished by constructive criticism of older studies that do not fit the modern, updated anatomical and clinical viewpoints.

Dr. Alexandra Diana Vrapciu
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • anatomy
  • peripheral nervous system
  • imaging

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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13 pages, 1899 KiB  
Article
Sex-Specific Differences in Peripheral Nerve Properties: A Comparative Analysis of Conduction Velocity and Cross-Sectional Area in Upper and Lower Limbs
by Ayaka Nobue and Masaki Ishikawa
Diagnostics 2024, 14(23), 2711; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14232711 - 30 Nov 2024
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Peripheral nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and nerve cross-sectional area (nCSA) are crucial parameters in neurophysiological assessments, yet their sex-specific differences are not fully understood. This study investigated sex-based variations in NCV and nCSA between upper and lower limbs. Methods: Twenty participants (ten [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Peripheral nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and nerve cross-sectional area (nCSA) are crucial parameters in neurophysiological assessments, yet their sex-specific differences are not fully understood. This study investigated sex-based variations in NCV and nCSA between upper and lower limbs. Methods: Twenty participants (ten males and ten females) were recruited for this study. The NCV and nCSA of the ulnar and tibial nerves were measured in both the upper and lower limbs. NCV was measured using supramaximal electric stimulation, and nCSA was assessed using peripheral nerve ultrasonography at three regions for each nerve. Supramaximal electric stimulations were applied superficially to the ulnar and tibial nerves at each measurement point. Action potentials were recorded from the abductor digiti minimi and soleus muscles for the ulnar and tibial nerves, respectively. Results: The ulnar nCSA of the upper limbs was significantly greater in males than in females (p < 0.05). However, ulnar NCV was significantly higher in females than in males (p < 0.05). In the lower limbs, no sex differences were observed in tibial NCV or nCSA. Conclusions: These findings reveal sex-specific differences in upper limb peripheral nerve characteristics that may have important implications for clinical assessments and treatment strategies. The contrasting patterns between upper and lower limbs suggest that both developmental and functional factors influence peripheral nerve properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Anatomy and Diagnosis of Peripheral Nervous System)
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12 pages, 5338 KiB  
Article
Laser Scanning Morphometric Measurements of the Main Orbital Communications in Dry Human Skulls
by Ruxandra Coroleucă, Florin Mihail Filipoiu, Alina Popa Cherecheanu, Mihaly Enyedi, Radu Bucșan, Mihai Bostan, Ciprian-Andrei Coroleucă, Lidia Ladea, Daniela Vrînceanu, Oriana Elena Moraru and Raluca Iancu
Diagnostics 2024, 14(19), 2168; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14192168 - 29 Sep 2024
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: This research investigated the morphometric dimensions of the optic foramen (OF), superior orbital fissure (SOF) and inferior orbital fissure (IOF), using indirect measurement techniques such as laser scanning, making it likely the first study of its kind. This study aimed [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: This research investigated the morphometric dimensions of the optic foramen (OF), superior orbital fissure (SOF) and inferior orbital fissure (IOF), using indirect measurement techniques such as laser scanning, making it likely the first study of its kind. This study aimed to identify the morphometric variability of the main orbit communications and to highlight the differences between genders. Materials and Methods: The anthropometric study was conducted on sixty dry skulls (120 orbits) of adults aged between 20 and 70 years. Measurements of orbital communications were made using the RS6 laser scanner. The orbital parameters that were investigated are as follows: length and width of the SOF and IOF, and height and width of the OF. Results: In males, the average height of the OF was 8.27 mm and 8.13 mm in females, while the average width of the OF was 6.34 mm in males and 5.83 mm in females. The SOF average length was 21.09 mm in males and 17.58 mm in females. The widths of the SOF in the three thirds (anterior, middle and posterior) in males were 5.14/4.77/7.11 mm and 2.28/3.48/5.80 mm in females. The average length of the IOF was 33.05 mm in males and 32.30 mm in females. The widths of the IOF in the three thirds (anterior, middle and posterior) were 5.61/3.92/4.70 mm in males and 7.24/4.68/4.08 mm in females. Conclusions: The OF height and width were higher in males compared to females. The SOF length and width were higher in males compared to females. The IOF length was higher in males for the right orbit and higher in females for the left orbit. The IOF width for both orbits was higher in females in the anterior and middle third, and higher for males in the posterior third. Evaluation of dry skulls using laser scanning is reliable and recommended for data accuracy. Laser scanning can become a usable method for all indented and hard-to-reach regions of the cranial skeleton. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Anatomy and Diagnosis of Peripheral Nervous System)
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18 pages, 6617 KiB  
Systematic Review
Extratemporal Facial Nerve Interconnections and Trunk’s Variability: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
by George Triantafyllou, Christos Tsiouris, Ioannis Chrysanthou, Ioannis Paschopoulos, George Tsakotos, Theodosis Kalamatianos and Maria Piagkou
Diagnostics 2024, 14(17), 1862; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14171862 - 26 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1018
Abstract
Background: The present systematic review with meta-analysis is a significant contribution to the understanding of the morphological variability of the facial nerve (FN) extratemporal segment, i.e., the facial trunk (FT) variability, its division, and terminal branching patterns. The study also provides a comprehensive [...] Read more.
Background: The present systematic review with meta-analysis is a significant contribution to the understanding of the morphological variability of the facial nerve (FN) extratemporal segment, i.e., the facial trunk (FT) variability, its division, and terminal branching patterns. The study also provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical significance of the FN extracranial division. Methods: Four online databases were utilized to conduct the systematic review according to evidence-based anatomy guidelines. A meta-analysis of the studies included was carried out using R programming software. The combined prevalence of the FN variants was calculated, along with subgroup and cumulative analysis. Results: From the systematic review, 29 studies were retrieved as eligible for our initial purpose. However, 19 studies followed the same classification system and were selected for the meta-analysis, with a total sample of 2453 nerves. The most common pattern of the FN morphology was the FT bifurcation (typical pattern), with a pooled prevalence of 94.1% and a single interconnection (IC) between the temporofacial and cervicofacial branches (23.1% pooled prevalence). Two ICs between these branches were the rarest pattern (8.9% pooled prevalence). Conclusions: Our findings underscore the extensive morphological variability of the FN extratemporal anatomy, which has led to confusion among researchers. While several classification systems have been developed, none accurately represent the typical and variant anatomy. Our meta-analysis provided a small range between 8.9–23.1% for the rarest and most common pattern; thus, diversity is the rule. Therefore, it is not safe to conclude the typical morphology of FN extratemporal anatomy for its whole distribution before the FT’s division (proximally) and its terminal branches (distally). Nevertheless, the bifurcation of the FT can be considered the typical morphology, and it is far more constant than the distal branching pattern. These findings have significant implications for surgical procedures, particularly parotidectomy, where surgeons must exercise utmost caution due to the potential clinical implications of FN injury. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Anatomy and Diagnosis of Peripheral Nervous System)
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