International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology

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

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 199–207

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/001023

Research Article

Title: Morphometry and Branching Variations of the Human Deep Femoral Artery Evaluated by CT Angiography

Names of Authors: E. J. Santos¹, K. L. Johansson²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Department of Anatomy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
² Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.

Abstract:
The deep femoral artery (arteria profunda femoris) supplies the muscular structures of the thigh. Its branches, the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries, provide critical collateral networks that are essential during femoral neck fracture repairs, vascular bypasses, and anterolateral thigh flap procedures. This study evaluated the morphometric dimensions and branching patterns of the deep femoral artery using multi-detector computed tomography (CT) angiography. Lower limb CT angiograms of 280 adult patients (150 males, 130 females) were retrospectively examined. The deep femoral artery originated from the posterolaterally oriented wall of the common femoral artery in 64.2% of cases. The mean distance from the origin of the deep femoral artery to the mid-point of the inguinal ligament was 41.5 ± 8.4 mm. The lateral circumflex femoral artery arose directly from the deep femoral artery in 76.4% of subjects, while in 18.2% it originated directly from the common femoral artery. The medial circumflex femoral artery branched directly from the deep femoral artery in 61.8% of cases. Statistically significant lateral asymmetry was observed in distance measurements, with longer trunk lengths noted on the right limb (p < 0.05). These morphological findings confirm that variations in femoral arborization are common, highlighting the utility of preoperative CT angiographic maps for preserving vascular supply during femoral osteotomies.

Keywords: Deep femoral artery, Medial circumflex femoral artery, Computed tomography angiography, Anatomical variation, Femoral neck fracture.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: August 20, 2026; Revised: October 08, 2026; Accepted: October 26, 2026; Published: November 15, 2026.

Citation: Santos EJ, Johansson KL. Morphometry and Branching Variations of the Human Deep Femoral Artery Evaluated by CT Angiography. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology. 2026; 15(11): 199–207. doi:10.46882/2026/IJAP/001023