The Couinaud classification system divides the liver into eight functionally independent segments, each with a center consisting of a portal vein, hepatic artery branches, and bile duct drainage. The periphery of each segment is where vascular outflow occurs via the hepatic veins. The numbering system begins with the caudate lobe…
The mitral valve’s complex geometry is usually described as a “saddle shape”, but I definitely prefer the comparison to Pringles chips! Here’s an illustration showing the relevant mitral anatomy. No Pringles were harmed in this production. :-)
The glycocalyx is a surface layer of proteins lining the luminal (blood-containing) side of vascular endothelium. It plays an important role as a vascular barrier, provides structural support, facilitates cellular interactions, mitigates vasomotor tone, and has a role in the inflammatory and coagulation cascades. Substances like chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid,…
Over a dozen different aortic arch great vessel configurations have been described in humans. I’ve illustrated the two most common types in this diagram. The “normal” aortic arch gives rise to three “great vessels.” From proximal to distal, these arteries are the innominate (which, in turn, gives rise to the…
There’s a complex yet beautiful architecture within the heart’s fibrous skeleton and valvular geometry. To become a proficient perioperative echocardiographer, one must understand these spatial relationships in three dimensions and the implications that specific surgeries can have on multiple anatomic regions.
Understanding neuraxial anatomy is an essential part to successfully perform epidural and spinal (intrathecal) anesthetics. Here’s a schematic outlining the layers we encounter when performing these procedures:
Do you know the acronym “SCALP” for the five layers of the scalp?
Anatomically, the trachea extends from the cricoid cartilage (level of C6/C7) to the carina (T4/T5) and is reinforced anteriorly by approximately 20 semicircular, cartilaginous rings. The trachea divides into the right and left mainstem bronchi which further divide into secondary bronchi (RUL, RML, RLL, LUL, and LLL). Of note, the…
Reading a chest x-ray (CXR) is an incredibly important aspect of acute care medicine and a skill that all healthcare providers should at least have some comfort in doing. The key for interpreting any radiographic image is having a methodical approach you follow every single time, no matter how simple or complex…
Frankly, the joy of discovery in gross anatomy is irreplaceable. Actually seeing peripheral nerves, holding visceral organs, looking inside of another human and thinking “oh, so this is what the lecturer was talking about” is the definition of applied biological science. And I miss it. A lot.