Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Dissectible Me 5 minute anatomy

Astrocytes are cells in the central nervous system crucial for supporting neurones and their function. A glioblastoma is a dangerous, rapidly growing type of brain tumour. Guess how they are linked.

Neurones are the major cells of the nervous system, but how do they work, how are they arranged, and what are the other cells of the nervous system?

The coeliac trunk is a branch of the aorta in the abdomen that supplies blood to the stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and parts of the duodenum and oesophagus. It is important because its branches supply blood to important organs but also because stomach and duodenal ulcers can erode through these arteries and cause significant bleeding. The anatomy here is difficult to describe but let's try and describe the branches of the coeliac trunk and how they supply blood to the organs that they are reponsible for.

Does thinking about the anatomy of the limbic system fill you with dread? That's your limbic system in action. Find out more in just 5 minutes in this podcast.

The basal ganglia should be called the basal nuclei, and are also referred to as the corpus striatum. This demonstrates one of the problems with studying neuroanatomy as terms seem to overlap. Let's talk about what the basal ganglia are, what they do, some of this terminology and what they have to do with Parkinson's disease.

The enteric nervous system describes the nerves of the gastrointestinal tract that autonomously regulate much of its function. Sometimes called the second brain it is a complex network of sensory inputs linked to motor outputs organised into two major plexuses running the entire length of the gut.

The phrenic nerve is well known for its role in innervating the diaphragm and its roots in the C3, 4 and 5 spinal nerves. It also innervates the pericardium, is implicated in the runner's stitch pain and can be responsible for pain in the shoulder.

The largest nerve in the body has many spinal nerve roots in the low back that are often the cause of pain in the lower limb. Let's quickly describe the anatomy of this huge nerve.

One of the huge reasons that exercise and a good diet are so important is atherosclerosis. This pathology describes a change to the walls of arteries that can cause narrowing, rupture or blocking of an artery. If this occurs in an artery supplying blood to the heart or the brain this will probably cause death, and is a leading cause of death in western countries.

It's the largest organ in the body (or on the body)? You can't live without it, it is an entire system of the body (the integumentary system), it is the major sensory organ, and it gets wrinkly as you get older. Skin!

There are only four tissues that make up the body (epithelial, connective, muscle and nervous). We should talk about epithelia and carcinoma.

Erb's palsy is an upper brachial plexus injury and is an example of why learning the anatomy of the brachial plexus is important. How does this palsy present and what has been injured?

The anatomy of the airway is incredibly important and fairly simple. The structures of the trachea and bronchi are adapted tubes that don't collapse with changes in pressure, and the mucociliary escalator has an important protective role.

The aorta is the major artery that runs the length of the torso, has some cool curves, and supplies blood to everything.

Gait is complicated, and Trendelenburg gait is an abnormal gait caused by a weakness or paralysis of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles. How does this work? (Or not work)?

The adrenal glands are vital and the cortex and medulla of each have different functions. Let's talk about their anatomy and what they do.

The sacroiliac joint is a very strong joint that takes the load of the torso from the vertebral column and sends it to the pelvis and lower limbs. It is a synovial joint that allows a little movement and is strongly supported by ligaments. Pain here is often caused by the joint being pulled too far by the large muscles that cross it or that move the pelvis.

The ribs are a series of 12 curving bones on either side of the torso forming the walls of the thorax and upper abdomen. Let's talk about their parts and how they move.

The pancreas is an organ that most people know about because of its job in producing insulin and managing blood sugar levels. When this doesn't work correctly diabetes develops. It has other endocrine roles and exocrine jobs too, in digestion. Let's talk about where it is in the body and some of the details of the anatomy of this vital organ in 5 minutesish.

The pelvis has two halves (left and right) but each half is also made up of three bones. Let's look at the anatomy of the ilium, ischium and pubis bones and how they link to the back and lower limb.

The nuchal ligament is in the back of your neck and you can feel it when you flex your neck forwards. What does it do and where does it come from?

The pudendal nerve is responsible for sensation from the external genitalia and the perineum, and for motor innervation of the muscles here including the urethral and anal sphincters. It comes from the sacral plexus, so how does it get to the perineum?

In this episode, let’s use the common complaint of elbow pain as a vector to explore the anatomy around the elbow.

Terms covered this week: medial & lateral epicondyle. Pronation & supination. Medial epicondylitis aka golfer’s elbow.  Lateral epicondylitis aka tennis elbow. Flexor muscles, specifically flexor digitorum muscles (superficialis & profundus), flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus & pronator teres. The extensor muscles, mainly the extensor carpi radialis longus & brevis, extensor carpi ulnaris, extensor digitorum and the supinator muscles.

The mediastinum is a region within the thorax between the lungs. In here we find the heart, great vessels, trachea, oesophagus and other anatomical structures. We can further describe where these structures are by dividing the mediastinum up into superior and inferior parts, and the inferior mediastinum up into anterior, middle and posterior medastinal compartments.

Let’s discuss the clear transparent tissue that sits anterior to the pupil and iris of your eye. Today we will explore the 5 layers of this tissue and link back to their function. There may be more to this area of anatomy than initially meets the eye……😶

Terms covered this week: the cornea, sclera, and progenitor cells. The 5 layers of the cornea are; the epithelium, the Bowmen’s layer (aka the anterior limiting membrane), the stroma, Descemet’s membrane (aka the posterior limiting membrane) and the endothelium layer. The debated sixth layer is also mentioned which is called Dua’s layer.

The anatomy of venous drainage of the thoracic wall. What is the azygos venous system? Where is it found? Why is it important & interesting?

Terms covered this week: azygos, hemiazygos & accessory hemiazygos veins.

We are back! Pun intended. In this episode, Sam will discuss the very important structure that exists between the vertebrae of your spine. The fibrocartilaginous intervertebral disk. This mobile, compressible, and stabilising tissue is integral for a happy healthy spine.

Terms covered this week: The annulus fibrosus & the nucleus pulposus. Type I & type II collagen. Vertebral endplate & disk herniation.

An anatomist’s ramblings on the optic nerve, colour vision & visual decussation.

Terms covered this week: The retina & its rod and cone cells. The optic nerve, optic chiasm & optic tract. Trichromats, dichromats, tetrachromats & achromatopsia.

Let’s discuss the sheets of connective tissue in the abdominal cavity, aka the peritoneum. Let’s explore how the folds of this membrane are called different things depending on how many folds there are, & how these folds form spaces……that us anatomists also name. In addition to the terminology, let's discuss the functions & clinical relevance of all these membranes, to justify knowing them.

Terms covered this week: The peritoneum & the parietal & visceral iterations of this. Peritoneal fluid. The mesentery. The greater & lesser omentum. The greater & lesser sacs. Finally, what on earth is meant by retroperitoneal?

In this episode lend me your ears, to understand your eyes. Let’s cover some basic ophthalmic anatomy in a whistle-stop tour of the anatomy of the eye.

Terms covered this week include the cornea, conjunctiva & sclera.  The iris, pupil, ciliary muscles, suspensory ligaments & the lens. The retina including its rod and cone cells. Finally, the aqueous and vitreous humours fill in the gaps. 

Following the Meninges podcast, this soundbite is dedicated to the anatomy of bleeds inside the skull. 

Terms covered this week include the cerebral arteries & subarachnoid haemorrhages. Cerebral bridging veins & subdural haemorrhages. Meningeal arteries & extra/epidural haemorrhages. 

In this episode, we discuss the three connective tissue layers that surround the brain & spinal cord. 

Terms covered this week are the dura mater, the arachnoid mater & pia mater. The leptomeninges & subarachnoid space. We also discuss meningitis.

Muscles & movements of the hip joint in 5 minutes or less! This is a challenge, but here we aim to provide a broad overview of the hip muscles, the movements of these muscles & their innervation.

Terms covered this week: The movements of the hip, flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, and internal & external rotation. The muscles of the hip: iliacus, psoas major & rectus femoris. Sartorius & pectineus. Gluteus maximus & the hamstrings. Gluteus medius & gluteus minimus. Gracilis & the adductor muscles (longus, brevis & magnus). The six lateral rotators of the hip: obturator internus & externus. Pyriformis, quadratus femoris & gemellus superior & inferior. The superior & inferior gluteal nerves, the sciatic nerve, & the obturator nerve.  

Completing our hernia series, in this episode Sam covers the anatomy of a hiatus hernia. What is it, how does it occur, what are its consequences and how do you treat them? 

Terms covered this week are hiatus hernias (and their types). The oesophageal hiatus of the diaphragm, the oesophageal smooth and striated muscles. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD).   

The anatomy of the superior vena cava and inferior vena cava in 5 minutes, with a little extra about anastomoses. These are the largest and some of the most important veins in the body.

In this episode let's prise out the anatomy of femoral hernias. What are they, where are they, and how do they differ from last week's topic of inguinal hernias? 

The main terms covered this week are femoral hernias and the femoral canal. The femoral arteries, nerves & veins. The fascia lata of the lower limb and its saphenous opening. 

This week let's explore the muscular canal found in the anterior wall of the lower abdomen, the inguinal canal. During our exploration let's apply this anatomy to a common medical condition, inguinal hernias. How do inguinal hernias occur & what is the difference between a direct & an indirect hernia? 

This week's terms are the anterolateral abdominal muscles (external & internal oblique muscles & the transversus abdominis muscle). The inguinal ligament & the deep & superficial inguinal rings. 

This week let's re-enter the nasal cavity & focus our attention on its blood supply. Why does the nose have such a significant blood supply? What vessels contribute to it? And what happens when it breaks? 

The terms covered this week are Little's area or Kiesselbach's plexus & Woodruff's plexus. The blood vessels with the mnemonic L.E.G.S, Labial (Superior), Ethmoids (anterior & posterior), Greater palatine & Sphenopalatine arteries. 

This week we explore the primary muscle of respiration that separates the thoracic & abdominal cavities. A muscle that was historically thought of as being the seat of the soul. In this podcast, we will dissect out the diaphragm's form, function, innervation, & blood supply. Whilst also explaining the origin of some of the terms we use to describe diaphragm-related structures.

The terms mentioned this week are the diaphragm and phrenic nerves. Costophrenic and costodiaphragmatic angles. The oesophageal hiatus and caval openings. Crura, the xiphisternum, skeletal muscle & somatic nerves.

In this 5-minute soundbite, we will cover the very basics of the tube that connects your nose, mouth and aerodigestive tracts. Location, subparts, composition, function and dysfunction. We will also cover sensory and motor innervation. 

Terms covered this week; The pharynx and its subparts. Nasopharynx, oropharynx and laryngopharynx (or hypopharynx). The constrictor muscles and mucosa. The vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves. 

This week we cover the nerves of the hand. The major motor components & the sensory distribution of each of the nerves that meander into the distal extremity of the upper limb. 

Terms covered in this episode are the median, radial & ulnar nerves. The flexor retinaculum. The thenar eminence & the lumbricals. 

Adorning the top of your spine are two unique vertebrae. Arguably the most important of the lot. Your Atlas & Axis or C1 & C2. In this episode, we explore greek inspired etymology, vertebral osteology & investigate why exactly cervical spinal injuries are so dangerous. By the end of this episode, you should be able to look through the 33 spinal bones all jumbled up & easily pick these two from the bunch. 

Terms covered this week; Atlas & axis. Spinous & transverse processes. Vertebral and transverse foramen. Vertebral body, lateral mass & articular facets. 

A fascinating topic this week, the pineal gland. The neuroendocrine structure that releases melatonin and helps regulate sleep cycles. Also, a structure that throughout history people have tried to assign all sorts of unusual functions. Join us this week as we try to unravel fact from fiction whilst covering location, function, and a smidge of clinical relevance.

Terms covered this week are the pineal gland, melatonin, pineal or parietal eye. Circadian rhythm, diurnal & sleep hygiene.  

In this episode let’s take a glance at some of the trickiest bones to identify, the bones of the carpus or wrist. More commonly known as the carpal bones.

Terms covered this week. The wrist movements of flexion, extension, ulnar & radial deviation. The carpal bones; trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, hamate, pisiform, triquetrum, lunate & scaphoid. The anatomical snuff box & avascular necrosis.

When it comes to the heart and its blood supply the coronary arteries take most of the limelight. But where does the deoxygenated blood go after supplying the muscle of the heart? How does it return to the circulatory system? In short, it travels through the cardiac veins our focus for this week's podcast. Names, locations and their anatomy. 

Terms covered this week; The great, the middle and the small cardiac veins. The coronary sinus.

How do skeletal muscle cells (myocytes) change their length? How does this relate to the different types of contractions that we see in gross anatomy and rigor mortis?

This week let's take a first pass at covering some brainstem anatomy. Let's discuss the three subsections, the broad functions these have, and point out some of the fascinating features this vital area of the brain houses.

Terms covered this week, The midbrain, the pons and the medulla oblongata. The cerebral and cerebellar peduncles. The corpora quadragemina, which itself is made up of the superior and inferior colliculi. The red nucleus, the substantia nigra and the reticular formation. The medullary pyramids and lots of cranial nerve nuclei. 

Today let’s discuss the membranous layers of tissue that house and protect the heart. What they are, where they are, function, innervation, importance, and a smidge of clinical relevance to finish.  

Terms covered this week. Layers of the heart; endocardium, myocardium & epicardium. The two layers of the pericardium; the serous pericardium (itself divided into visceral & parietal) & the fibrous pericardium. The pericardial cavity. Phrenic nerves & cardiac tamponade.

In this episode let’s take a bite out of some dental anatomy, by covering the basics of the tooth. Let’s uncover some details of the organic living rocks that inhabit our jaws, made up of four tissue types with a rich neurovascular supply.

Terms discussed in today’s episode are gingiva, the crown & the root of a tooth. The four tissues are enamel, cementum, dentin & pulp. The gomphosis joint is formed by the periodontal ligaments & finishing off we discuss the neurovascular supply of the superior & inferior alveolar nerves, arteries & veins.

The tissue and muscle of the heart need a good blood supply. Enter the coronary arteries. A left and a right but also some other major branches to know about.

Terms, or arteries covered this week; The aorta. The right coronary artery & the posterior descending artery (PDA). The left coronary artery, circumflex artery & anterior interventricular artery aka left anterior descending artery (LAD).