Multiple muscular variations in the neck, upper extremity, and lower extremity biased toward the left side of a single cadaver

A Possible Accessory Muscle of the Serratus Posterior Superior Muscle

Anatomical variation is defined as the normal range of possibilities in the topography and morphology of body structures. In contrast, an anomaly is any structural or functional anatomical finding beyond the normal range of possibilities. This case study describes a muscular anomaly found in a 73-year-old preserved Caucasian male. We observed a left-sided anomalous muscle originating from the transverse process of the C1 (Atlas) vertebra and inserting onto the proximal attachment of the serratus posterior superior (SPS) muscle at the C7 level. We suggest that this anomaly is a result of early embryological development and hypothesize that the atypical neck muscle may reinforce the action of the SPS. This finding is rare and no reference of it can be found in the literature. Reporting anatomical anomalies is important for the medical literature and education.

Rare Fusion of the Semitendinosus and the Long Head of the Biceps Femoris Muscles in a Human Cadaver

During routine cadaveric dissection of a 59-year-old female cadaver, a rare, anomalous fusion of the semitendinosus and long head of the biceps femoris muscles, arising as a common head at the origin of the ischial tuberosity, was observed. In addition, a unilateral muscular slip was noted between the gluteus maximus and the long head of the biceps femoris muscle belly. To the best of our knowledge, this variation has not been previously reported in the literature. Such variations may increase the risk of hamstring injury or compression of the sciatic nerve. Patients presenting with sciatic pain in the posterior thigh may prompt an evaluation for the aberrant origin of the hamstring muscles. It may be beneficial for surgeons, radiologists, and sports medicine specialists to be aware of such variations due to potential implications on surgical intervention, pain management, and interpretation of radiographic images.

Ultrasound Imaging for Muscle Variations: Digastric Flexor Carpi Ulnaris, Gastrocnemius Tertius, and Supernumerary Fibularis Longus in an Asymptomatic Family

Anatomical variations of the muscles are seen with different frequencies. Although most of them are asymptomatic; in certain cases, their existence requires attention with regard to entrapment syndromes, mass lesions, botulinum toxin injections, and tendon transfers. Herein, as ultrasound imaging is a convenient method for muscle imaging, it can easily be used in daily practice for prompt understanding of such muscular variations. In this report, we demonstrated and discussed a similar scenario in an asymptomatic individual (and his close family members) using ultrasound imaging for scanning the digastric flexor carpi ulnaris, gastrocnemius tertius, and supernumerary fibularis longus muscles.