Search

Combining classical educational methods with interactive three-dimensional (3D) visualization technology has great power to support and provide students with a unique opportunity to use them in the study process, training, and/or simulation of different medical procedures in terms of a Human Anatomy course. In 2016, Riga Stradinš University (RSU) offered students the 3D Virtual Dissection Table "Anatomage" with possibilities of virtual dissection and digital images at the Department of Morphology. The first 3D models were printed in 2018 and a new printing course was integrated into the Human Anatomy curriculum. This study was focused on the interaction of students with digital images, 3D models, and their combinations. The incorporation and use of digital technologies offered students great tools for their creativity, increased the level of knowledge and skills, and gave them a possibility to study human body structures and to develop relationships between basic and clinical studies.

Background: Knowledge of the anatomy of pulmonary arteries is essential in many invasive procedures concerning pulmonary circulation. In the diagnosis and treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), two-dimensional (2D) pulmonary angiography is used. Recognizing the topographic course of the pulmonary arteries and understanding the status in three dimensions (3D) is paramount. This study aimed to evaluate and describe the branching variant of pulmonary arteries in a single case, as well as morphological parameters of the segmental arteries, like length, diameter and branching angles. Methods: One pair of embalmed human cadaver lungs was dissected by a scalpel and surgical forceps and was measured up to the subsegmental arteries. Results: The diameters (ranging from 3.04 to 9.29 mm) and lengths (ranging from 9.09 to 53.91 mm) of the pulmonary segmental arteries varied. The proximal branching angles were wide and close to perpendicular, while distally, the angles between the segmental and subsegmental arteries were narrower (30–45°). Upon evaluating the branching, rare variations were identified and delineated, notably in the lower lobes of both lungs. Conclusions: Utilizing knowledge and data in clinical settings is instrumental for effectively diagnosing and treating CTEPH. Further research is required to explore the complications in invasive procedures related to various anatomical variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human renal arteries are characterized by a wide range of variability. This study aimed to detect the variations of the renal arteries, make measurements in cadaveric samples and, based on a review of the literature, to compare results with those already published. Materials and Methods. At the Department of Morphology, kidneys of the formalin-fixed five cadavers were used for this study. Renal arteries and kidneys were explored, measured, and anatomical variations were noted. Results. Main renal arteries originated from the aorta, mainly at the L2 level. The right main renal arteries’ mean length, diameter, and angle were 40.4 mm, 6.1 mm, and 75.6°, but the left - 32.2 mm, 6.0 mm, and 84.0°. The right accessory renal artery’s mean length, diameter, and angle were 65.0 mm, 3.5 mm, and 115°, but left - 68.0 mm, 1.3 mm, and 74°. The mean length and width of the right kidney were 11.6 cm and 6.5 cm, and the left - 11.8 cm and 7.5 cm. The origins of the renal segmental arteries and prehilar branching patterns were variable. Conclusions. Detection of anatomy of the renal arteries may affect pathogenesis, clinical manifestations of various diseases, and the choice of methods of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this study is to present the usage and importance of 3D dissection tools in the teaching and learning of Anatomy and to describe and explain our experience with Anatomage Table in Human Anatomy studies at Rıga Stradiņš University. In 2017–2018 two 3D dissection tools (scalpels) were used every week in work with Anatomage Table during the practical classes. As methods for collecting data were used discussions between students and teachers. Together 200 students of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry were involved in this study. It was possible to create incisions and cuts in order to remove and uncover different layers of organic tissues, to move deep inside step by step and find out which structures it was necessary to look for. Afterwards students showed that they were able to place the organs back and reattach the bones, muscles, blood vessels in the body and put the skin back on. Students enjoyed virtual tools in the practical classes and learned the material better. Virtual tools helped students and tutors to easily understand and memorize different anatomy structures. 3D scalpels were useful for different education activities, but the learning experience may be suitable further for the study of real materials.

A large body size and mass are advantages in rugby. The desire to gain weight can bring players to become overweight or obese. This can worsen their thermoregulation and health risks. The aim was to evaluate anthropometric characteristics and to determine the effect of additional body fat percentage on sweat loss during play-match in male rugby players. Nineteen qualified male rugby players were tested during play-match. The age, height, body mass, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percent of participants were: 29 ± 6 years, 183 ± 7 cm, 96.86 ± 12.88 kg, 29.07 ± 3.90 kg/m2, 20.52 ± 5.64%, respectively. The skin fold thickness measurement was used to assess body fat percent. Body mass loss was detected by weighting. The mean BMI was 26.18 ± 2.37 (kg/m2) and the body fat 15.87 ± 3.97% in backs. Forwards were significantly heavier and had BMI 31.18 ± 3.44 (kg/m2)(p = 0.002) and the body fat 23.91 ± 4.02% (p < 0.001). The mean body mass decrease in the play-match was 1.83 ± 0.84%. The mean sweating intensity was 2.24 ± 1.07 l/h, but individual varied among players in very wide range (1.12–6.16 l/h). Relationships between the body fat percentage and sweating intensity was not determined (p > 0.05). Recommendation is to increase the volume of regular strength training, to correct the diet and liquid consumption.

Objective: The examination of human bones by the virtual dissection table Anatomage allows visualization of their dimensions and detection of the differences of macrostructures. Students and tutors can use this information for learning and teaching anatomy. This study aimed to investigate some anatomical variations in three types of digital human bones. Methods: The Anatomage method was used for the visualization of human bones. In this descriptive study, data were collected and compared from four digital human cadavers of the Anatomage Table's database (Anatomage Table 6.0.3) in the Department of Morphology of Rīga Stradiņš University. Variations of the patella, last ribs and sternum with its parts were macroscopically observed by one Human Anatomy course tutor during spring 2022. The Ethical approval was not applicable. Results: Patella manifested a variety of shapes, sizes and the asymmetry between medial and lateral facets, and its thickness between digital male and female cadavers. The 8th--10th ribs presented variants of their fusion, affecting the anterior portion of them. Differences in sizes were also detected for the 11th and 12th ribs on both sides. In digital four human bodies the main sternal variations were as follows: xiphoid process with elongated its size or one oval sternal foramen, or sharp bifid ends. Conclusion: There exist different sternums, last ribs and patella with several morphological expressions, including sizes, shapes, patterns, external contours, etc. Identification of variations of these bones by use of the Anatomage Table is important to study, differentiate and discover several normal or pathological conditions more frequently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Female heads and their anatomical details are popular decorative elements of the Art Nouveau architecture. Objectives. The study aims to describe the specificity of the female heads in the decors of Rigas' architectural buildings in the context of regional anatomical features. Methods: An extensive historical, anatomical literature search was undertaken from several databases, books and architectural sources. The literature search was based on key terms relevant to anatomical details concerning the presentation of them in female heads of Rigas' Art Nouveau architectural buildings. Several methods were used to formulate the anatomical details of female heads in the architectural works, including observation, formalization, analysis, synthesis, analogy and interpretation. No ethical approval was required. Results: Female heads appeared in different forms and manifestations of ideas, including a series of historical, biblical, mythological characters or symbols of unity between humans and nature. Women's wild and undulating hair served as an icon representative of the Art Nouveau. Several faces were depicted with a winged head, a wide-open mouth, wide staring eyes, broad nostrils, with a romantic, comical, angry, horrifying, neutral look or serious expressions. In the female heads, part of the aspects was used together with some images of contrasting mood or contrary meaning. Ideal classical and symmetrical female faces were common too. None of these heads were in color. "Disturbed" faces and screaming masks were also represented. Conclusion: Analyzed architectural works had a lot of common or different signs but at the same time every female head was unique in its anatomical details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Collegium Antropologicum is the property of Croatian Anthropological Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)