Dissectible Me 5 minute anatomy

Hiatus hernias

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).   

Femoral hernias

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. 

The Inguinal canal & Inguinal hernias

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 ligmanet & the deep & superficial inguinal rings. 

Nasal blood supply & Epistaxis

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. 
 

The Diaphragm

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.

The Pharynx (An Introduction)

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. 

Nerves of the Hand

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. 

The Atlas & Axis (C1 & C2)

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. 

The Pineal gland

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.  

The Carpal bones

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.