International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 1–5

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/001032

Full Length Research Paper

Title: The Impact of Varied Sitting Postures on Pulmonary Function Volumes and Capacities in Academic Students

Names of Authors: Baghery Hojat¹, Esmaeilzadeh Mahdi¹*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Department of Basic Sciences, Shirvan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shirvan, Iran.

Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate changes that occur in pulmonary function when postural changes in the sagittal plane are made in a seated position in students. This cross-sectional analytical study was done randomly on 20 boys from Iran, and the results of a forced expiratory maneuver in these young healthy subjects were compared according to body posture. Twenty able-bodied student boys (age 13.5 ± 1.09 yr, height 158.25 ± 5.65 cm, and weight 50.45 ± 7.02 kg) participated in this study. Standard spirometric measurements including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were taken for each subject in each of 3 sitting postures (normal, slumped, and kyphotic) and a standing posture. A repeated-measures ANOVA and a paired t-test indicated that FVC and FEV1 values in the standing posture were significantly higher than in the sitting postures. In slumped sitting, FVC, FEV1, and PEF significantly decreased compared to the other sitting postures. However, there was no significant difference for FVC, PEF, and FEV1 between the normal and kyphotic sitting postures. The results showed that FVC, FEV1, and PEF, as important indices in the health of pulmonary system function, were affected by sitting posture, particularly the slumped sitting posture. Consequently, students should prevent slumped sitting postures.

Keywords: Pulmonary function, sitting, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, peak expiratory flow.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: April 12, 2026; Revised: May 20, 2026; Accepted: June 08, 2026; Published: November 01, 2026.

Citation: Hojat B, Mahdi E. The Impact of Varied Sitting Postures on Pulmonary Function Volumes and Capacities in Academic Students. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology. 2026; 15(11): 1–5. doi:10.46882/2026/IJAP/001032

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 1–4

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/001031

Full Length Research Paper

Title: Reforming Respiratory Physiology Education in Tanzania: Aligning Medical Curricula with Primary Care Needs

Names of Authors: Yohana Mashalla¹, Amos Massele¹, Marina Njelekela², Simon Mamuya²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ School of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
² Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Abstract:
Effective management of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by General Practitioners is likely to be compromised by respiratory physiology training that has a main focus on acute respiratory diseases with high mortality and little focus on empowering medical and nursing students and practitioners on respiratory care. Results of this study indicate that lack of responsiveness of respiratory physiology courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students, a lack of structured in-service training programmes on respiratory care, and inadequate training facilities for lung function assessment are key challenges to the medical schools. It is concluded that a concerted effort is required through global partnerships to enhance training and re-training of general practitioners and nurses on primary respiratory care and to make accessible relevant resources needed for building competencies in lung function assessment and the interpretation of results.

Keywords: Respiratory care, respiratory care practitioners, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: July 10, 2026; Revised: August 22, 2026; Accepted: September 15, 2026; Published: November 01, 2026.

Citation: Mashalla Y, Massele A, Njelekela M, Mamuya S. Reforming Respiratory Physiology Education in Tanzania: Aligning Medical Curricula with Primary Care Needs. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology. 2026; 15(11): 1–4. doi:10.46882/2026/IJAP/001031

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 1–7

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/001030

Full Length Research Paper

Title: Upregulation of the Arabidopsis thaliana Thylakoid Lumen 18.3 Protein Gene During Dehydration

Names of Authors: Mohammad Israil Ansari¹,², Tsan-Piao Lin¹*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Institute of Plant Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
² Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow-226 010, India.

Abstract:
Selaginella tamariscina is a resurrection plant and we have cloned several genes for dehydration in S. tamariscina through differential display. One of the genes (DQ471954) has 68% homology with the Arabidopsis thaliana thylakoid lumen 18.3 kDa protein (TLP18.3) gene. This gene has a domain of unknown function (DUF477) which is a family of uncharacterized proteins. The expression pattern of the A. thaliana TLP18.3 reveals that mRNA expression and protein accumulation are up-regulated during dehydration. The protein coding region of the A. thaliana TLP18.3 gene consists of 3 exons and 4 introns encoding 285 amino acids with a putative chloroplast transit peptide (cTP) target sequence at the N-terminal. GFP fusion protein with the N-terminal 80 amino acid residue reveals that this fusion protein is localized into the chloroplast. Our data strongly suggest that the A. thaliana TLP18.3 gene plays an important role in the dehydration process.

Keywords: Arabidopsis thaliana, dehydration, gene regulation, TLP18.3, thylakoid lumen.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: August 24, 2026; Revised: September 28, 2026; Accepted: October 15, 2026; Published: November 01, 2026.

Citation: Ansari MI, Lin TP. Upregulation of the Arabidopsis thaliana Thylakoid Lumen 18.3 Protein Gene During Dehydration. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology. 2026; 15(11): 1–7. doi:10.46882/2026/IJAP/001030

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 244–252

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/001028

Research Article

Title: Electromyographic and Morphological Evaluation of the Palmaris Longus Muscle Variant and Its Association with Median Nerve Compression

Names of Authors: R. E. Dubois¹, S. M. Patel², O. A. Sanusi³*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.
² Department of Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
³ Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Abstract:
The palmaris longus muscle is a superficial flexor of the forearm known for its high rate of evolutionary agenesis and structural variations, including duplicated, reversed, or hypertrophied muscle bellies. These muscular anomalies can reduce the available space within the proximal forearm and carpal tunnel, compressing the median nerve. This study combined cadaveric dissection and surface electromyography (sEMG) to examine the morphological variations of the palmaris longus and evaluate their functional association with median nerve compression. Dissection of 100 formalin-fixed upper limbs revealed palmaris longus variants in 6 extremities (6.0%). A reversed palmaris longus (muscle belly located distally near the wrist) was identified in 2 limbs (2.0%). In the clinical phase, eight symptomatic patients diagnosed with a reversed or hypertrophied palmaris longus via musculoskeletal ultrasound underwent sEMG and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) testing. The sEMG evaluation during sustained grip tasks demonstrated a high root-mean-square (RMS) voltage over the anomalous muscle distal belly, which correlated with a significant reduction in median nerve sensory conduction velocity across the wrist joint (38.5 ± 3.4 m/s vs. 54.2 ± 4.1 m/s in normal controls; p < 0.01). These anatomical and neurophysiological findings demonstrate that structural palmaris longus variants can cause mechanical median nerve entrapment, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of atypical carpal tunnel syndrome.

Keywords: Palmaris longus muscle, Anatomical variant, Median nerve compression, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Electromyography.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: September 02, 2026; Revised: October 18, 2026; Accepted: November 05, 2026; Published: November 26, 2026.

Citation: Dubois RE, Patel SM, Sanusi OA. Electromyographic and Morphological Evaluation of the Palmaris Longus Muscle Variant and Its Association with Median Nerve Compression. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology. 2026; 15(11): 244–252. doi:10.46882/2026/IJAP/001028

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 253–261

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/001029

Research Article

Title: Histological Profiling of Cerebellar Purkinje Cell Remodeling in Mice Following Chronic Intake of High-Fructose Corn Syrup

Names of Authors: F. G. Santos¹, H. I. Takahashi², E. S. Williams³*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Department of Morphology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
² Department of Anatomy, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.
³ Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom.

Abstract:
Diets rich in high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are linked to systemic metabolic syndrome, central neuroinflammation, and cognitive deficits. However, the specific impacts of prolonged HFCS consumption on the cellular architecture of the cerebellum remain less understood. This study quantified the effects of chronic HFCS intake on the cellular density and dendritic arborization of cerebellar Purkinje cells using a mouse model. Twenty-four male C57BL/6J mice were divided randomly into two groups (n = 12): a Control group (standard chow and tap water) and an HFCS group (diet supplemented with a 15% HFCS solution in drinking water) for 14 consecutive weeks. Cerebellar tissues were sectioned and processed for Nissl staining, Calbindin-D28k immunofluorescence, and Sholl analysis to map dendritic complexity. Quantitative evaluation revealed significant Purkinje cell degeneration in the HFCS-exposed cohort. The linear density of Purkinje cells along the ganglionic layer of the cerebellar cortex decreased significantly (14.2 ± 1.1 cells/mm vs. 21.4 ± 1.6 cells/mm in controls; p < 0.01). Sholl analysis of Calbindin-positive cells demonstrated a significant reduction in dendritic branching intersections (12.4 ± 1.5 vs. 22.8 ± 2.1 in controls; p < 0.05) and a reduction in total dendritic length. These structural alterations show that chronic, high-dose consumption of HFCS induces Purkinje cell loss and dendritic tree remodeling, which may impair fine motor coordination and cerebellar cognitive loops.

Keywords: Cerebellum, Purkinje cells, High-fructose corn syrup, Calbindin, Dendritic remodeling.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: September 05, 2026; Revised: October 20, 2026; Accepted: November 08, 2026; Published: November 29, 2026.

Citation: Santos FG, Takahashi HI, Williams ES. Histological Profiling of Cerebellar Purkinje Cell Remodeling in Mice Following Chronic Intake of High-Fructose Corn Syrup. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology. 2026; 15(11): 253–261. doi:10.46882/2026/IJAP/001029

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 235–243

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/001027

Research Article

Title: Variations in the Anatomy and Branching Origin of the Human Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery Evaluated by Multi-Detector CT Angiography

Names of Authors: M. G. Silva¹, K. L. Hansson²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
² Department of Radiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

Abstract:
The lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) is a major vascular branch supplying the hip joint and anterolateral thigh muscles. Precise mapping of its branching origin and spatial trajectory is critical for minimizing hemorrhagic complications during anterolateral thigh flap harvesting, total hip arthroplasties, and femoral arterial catheterizations. This retrospective study used multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography to examine the structural origin and branching patterns of the LCFA. Lower limb angiograms from 310 adult patients (165 males, 145 females) were reviewed. The standard origin of the LCFA arising directly from the deep femoral artery was identified in 74.2% of cases. Variations were recorded in 25.8% of the subjects. The most prevalent variation was a direct origin from the common femoral artery proximal to its bifurcation (16.5%), followed by an independent origin from the superficial femoral artery (6.1%). In 3.2% of cases, the ascending, transverse, and descending branches of the LCFA arose separately without a common trunk. The mean trunk length of the LCFA was 14.8 ± 3.2 mm, with a mean proximal diameter of 4.2 ± 0.6 mm. No statistically significant variations were found between genders or left and right limbs. These findings confirm that structural deviations in LCFA geometry are common, emphasizing the value of utilizing preoperative MDCT angiographic maps to limit complications during reconstructive surgeries.

Keywords: Lateral circumflex femoral artery, Deep femoral artery, MDCT angiography, Vascular variation, Reconstructive flap.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: August 30, 2026; Revised: October 14, 2026; Accepted: November 03, 2026; Published: November 24, 2026.

Citation: Silva MG, Hansson KL. Variations in the Anatomy and Branching Origin of the Human Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery Evaluated by Multi-Detector CT Angiography. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology. 2026; 15(11): 235–243. doi:10.46882/2026/IJAP/001027

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 226–234

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/001026

Research Article

Title: Quantitative Histomorphometry of Thyroid Gland Remodeling in Rats Following Chronic Exposure to Nitrate-Contaminated Drinking Water

Names of Authors: I. M. Petrović¹, O. S. Adeyemi²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
² Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.

Abstract:
Nitrate compounds are ubiquitous environmental contaminants found in agricultural runoff that can interfere with thyroid iodine uptake, disrupting endocrine homeostasis and glandular tissue architecture. This study investigated the structural consequences of chronic ingestion of sodium nitrate on the thyroid parenchyma of adult Wistar rats using quantitative histomorphometry. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into three groups of ten: Control (distilled water), Low-Exposure Nitrate (50 mg/L), and High-Exposure Nitrate (500 mg/L), administered via drinking water for 16 consecutive weeks. Thyroid glands were harvested, fixed, sectioned, and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E). Histomorphometric evaluation revealed significant tissue remodeling in the treated cohorts. The mean follicular epithelial height increased significantly in the high-exposure group (14.2 ± 1.8 μm vs. 6.4 ± 0.7 μm in controls; p < 0.01), representing a shift from cuboidal to columnar epithelium due to compensatory hyperstimulation. Concurrently, the mean follicular diameter decreased significantly (45.2 ± 4.1 μm vs. 78.5 ± 6.2 μm in controls; p < 0.01), indicating accelerated colloid depletion. Interstitial vascular volume fraction expanded significantly from 3.8% ± 0.5% in controls to 9.2% ± 1.2% in the high-dose cohort (p < 0.05), demonstrating regional hypervascularization. These objective tissue alterations show that chronic exposure to environmental nitrates induces severe architectural stress and follicular remodeling within the thyroid gland, highlighting potential risks for environmental goitrogenesis.

Keywords: Thyroid gland, Nitrate, Histomorphometry, Follicular epithelium, Endocrine disruptor.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: August 22, 2026; Revised: October 10, 2026; Accepted: November 01, 2026; Published: November 22, 2026.

Citation: Petrović IM, Adeyemi OS. Quantitative Histomorphometry of Thyroid Gland Remodeling in Rats Following Chronic Exposure to Nitrate-Contaminated Drinking Water. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology. 2026; 15(11): 226–234. doi:10.46882/2026/IJAP/001026

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 217–225

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/001025

Research Article

Title: Morphometric Assessment of the Jugular Foramen and Its Clinical Correlates in Dry Human Crania

Names of Authors: A. A. Adebayo¹, M. T. Al-S基础², J. P. Chevalier³*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.
² Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
³ Laboratory of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Paris-Saclay, Paris, France.

Abstract:
The jugular foramen is a structurally complex bony canal in the posterior cranial fossa that transmits vital neurovascular structures, including the glossopharyngeal, vagus, and accessory nerves, alongside the internal jugular vein. Structural asymmetry or bony overgrowth within this canal can lead to lower cranial nerve entrapment syndromes or complicate surgical approaches to the skull base. This study quantified the morphometric dimensions of the jugular foramen and documented the occurrence of complete or partial bony partitioning. A total of 110 dry, fully ossified adult human skulls (60 males, 50 females) were evaluated using a digital vernier caliper. The mean anteroposterior diameter was 8.12 ± 1.14 mm on the right side and 7.34 ± 0.98 mm on the left side. The mean mediolateral diameter measured 15.42 ± 1.84 mm on the right and 14.11 ± 1.56 mm on the left. Right-sided dominance in overall foramen volume was observed in 72.7% of crania (p < 0.05). Complete bony bridge partitioning that divided the foramen into anteromedial and posterolateral compartments was observed in 8.2% of specimens, occurring predominantly on the right side. These distinct metric variations highlight significant lateral asymmetry within the posterior cranial base, providing useful reference points for neurosurgeons planning lateral skull base dissections or jugular glomus tumor resections.

Keywords: Jugular foramen, Skull base, Morphometry, Cranial nerve entrapment, Lateral asymmetry.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: August 12, 2026; Revised: October 05, 2026; Accepted: October 24, 2026; Published: November 20, 2026.

Citation: Adebayo AA, Al-S基础 MT, Chevalier JP. Morphometric Assessment of the Jugular Foramen and Its Clinical Correlates in Dry Human Crania. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology. 2026; 15(11): 217–225. doi:10.46882/2026/IJAP/001025

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 208–216

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/001024

Research Article

Title: Histomorphometric Profile of Myocardial Remodeling and Fibrosis in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Treated with Quercetin

Names of Authors: T. O. Olatunji¹, M. R. Müller²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
² Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.

Abstract:
Chronic systemic hypertension triggers pathological myocardial remodeling characterized by cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and interstitial collagen deposition, leading to impaired diastolic compliance. This study quantified the protective effects of the bioflavonoid quercetin on ventricular architecture and fibrosis pathways in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Twenty-four male SHRs (12 weeks old) were distributed into three groups (n = 8): Untreated SHRs, Low-Dose Quercetin (50 mg/kg/day), and High-Dose Quercetin (100 mg/kg/day), administered via oral gavage for 8 weeks, alongside a normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) control group. Left ventricular tissue sections were stained with Masson’s Trichrome to quantify fibrosis and examined immunophysically. Untreated SHRs showed marked cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, with a mean fiber cross-sectional area of 382 ± 24 μm² compared to 215 ± 14 μm² in WKY controls (p < 0.01). Interstitial collagen volume fraction in untreated SHRs rose significantly to 14.2% ± 1.6% (p < 0.01 vs. 3.1% ± 0.4% in WKY). High-dose quercetin treatment significantly limited structural cardiac remodeling, reducing cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area to 264 ± 18 μm² and decreasing the interstitial collagen volume fraction to 5.8% ± 0.7% (p < 0.05). This reduction in tissue remodeling correlated with down-regulated expressions of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1). These quantitative results show that quercetin mitigates pathological myocardial remodeling and interstitial fibrosis, preserving underlying ventricular tissue architecture against chronic hypertensive stress.

Keywords: Myocardial remodeling, Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, Interstitial fibrosis, Quercetin, Transforming growth factor-beta 1.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: August 28, 2026; Revised: October 12, 2026; Accepted: October 28, 2026; Published: November 18, 2026.

Citation: Olatunji TO, Müller MR. Histomorphometric Profile of Myocardial Remodeling and Fibrosis in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Treated with Quercetin. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology. 2026; 15(11): 208–216. doi:10.46882/2026/IJAP/001024

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 190–198

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/001022

Research Article

Title: Histological Changes in the Testicular Architecture and Spermatogenic Kinetics of Rats Following Subchronic Inhalation of Formaldehyde

Names of Authors: S. B. V基礎¹, O. P. Popoola²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia.
² Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Abstract:
Formaldehyde is an industrial pollutant and common fixative chemical linked to tissue damage via oxidative stress pathways. This study examined the subchronic toxicological effects of formaldehyde gas inhalation on the histomorphology of seminiferous tubules and spermatogenic cell lineages in Wistar rats. Twenty-four male rats were distributed into three groups (n = 8): Control (ambient air), Low-Exposure (5 mg/m³ formaldehyde), and High-Exposure (15 mg/m³ formaldehyde), exposed for 4 hours per day, 5 days a week, over a 10-week period. Testicular sections were processed and evaluated using Johnsen's scoring system alongside morphometric measurements of tubular diameter and epithelial height. Inhalation of high-dose formaldehyde caused notable disruptions to testicular architecture. The mean seminiferous tubular diameter decreased significantly (185 ± 12 μm vs. 245 ± 18 μm in controls; p < 0.01), accompanied by a reduction in germinal epithelial height (42 ± 3.4 μm vs. 68 ± 5.1 μm; p < 0.01). Johnsen’s score dropped from 9.4 ± 0.3 in controls to 5.8 ± 0.4 in the high-exposure group, indicating spermatogenic arrest at the primary spermatocyte level. Disorganization of Sertoli cells, vacuolation of the basal compartment, and a significant decrease in interstitial Leydig cell numbers were noted. These findings show that subchronic formaldehyde exposure induces structural testicular degeneration and impairs spermatogenic kinetics, presenting potential risks to male reproductive health.

Keywords: Formaldehyde, Testis, Seminiferous tubules, Spermatogenesis, Histomorphometry.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: August 14, 2026; Revised: October 02, 2026; Accepted: October 22, 2026; Published: November 12, 2026.

Citation: V基礎 SB, Popoola OP. Histological Changes in the Testicular Architecture and Spermatogenic Kinetics of Rats Following Subchronic Inhalation of Formaldehyde. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology. 2026; 15(11): 190–198. doi:10.46882/2026/IJAP/001022