Dissectible Me 5 minute anatomy

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.

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, The 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.