Dissectible Me 5 minute anatomy

The Muscles of Mastication

Building on a previous episode that discussed the mandible, in this soundbite we cover the muscles that act upon the lower jaw to chew, the muscles of mastication. Terms covered this week are four muscles: the temporalis, the masseter and the medial & lateral pterygoids. Some bony anatomy in the sphenoid bone, the pterygoid plates, the zygomatic arch and the coronoid process of the mandible. Finally, the nerve that controls them all. The mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve (CNV3).

The Thoracic apertures

In this episode, we review the anatomy of the thoracic apertures. What are they, where are they and what are the main structures that pass through their openings? Terms covered this week; Superior and inferior thoracic apertures. The thoracic inlet and outlet (confusingly the same thing). Finally the well-documented clinical condition of thoracic outlet syndrome. 

Pleural Recesses

Let's take another look at the pleura in this episode. This time let's focus on the pleural recesses, innervation of the pleura and some clinical relevance.  Terms covered this week; Costal pleura, diaphragmatic pleura & mediastinal pleura. The pleural recess (aka the costophrenic recess) & the costomediastinal recess. The clinically relevant pleural effusion & pleuritic chest pain.      

The Vestibular system & Balance

This episode tackles the beautifully complex area of the inner ear whose function it is to detect motion and facilitate, in part, balance.  Terms covered this week; The bony & membranous labyrinth of the inner ear. The fluids perilymph & endolymph that flood these cavities. The stereocilia, macula, crista, cupula and otoconia that comprise the delicate inner organs of balance. Finally the clinical relevance of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), the symptom of vertigo, the sign nystagmus and the condition (BPPV) Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.   

The Pleura

In this episode, we discuss the very thin serous membrane that surrounds the lung and thorax which is absolutely crucial for life.  The terms covered in this episode are visceral and parietal pleura. Pleural space, pneumothorax and haemothorax.  

The Major Nerves of the Upper Limb

Today's episode is a follow on from last week in which we explore the compartments and 5 major nerves of the upper limb Terms covered in this episode; Axillary nerve, Radial nerve, Median nerve, Ulnar nerve & Musculocutaneous nerve.

The Brachial Plexus

This week Sam fancied a challenge…The question is, do you? In this episode, we untangle the plexus of nerves that innervate the upper limb. Roots, trunks, divisions, cords & then branches, leaving us with the big 5 nerves that are a must-know.   Nerves covered this week; The Axillary, Musculocutaneous, Median, Radial & Ulnar nerves of the upper limb.

The Carotid Sheath

Deep within the neck, we find biology’s version of a cable tidy that houses and protects the great vessels of the neck in addition to one of the most critical nerves in the human body. This week let us dissect out some details on this tube-like structure. What exactly is it, where is it and what does it contain? Terms covered this week; Deep neck fascia, the platysma & sternocleidomastoid muscles. The internal jugular vein. The common, external & internal carotid arteries. Carotid blowout syndrome.  

The Elbow joint

Roll up your sleeves for this one as we explore the peculiar little joint at the elbow. Or rather the 3 joints that live there.  New terms covered this week; Ulnar, radius & humerus. Pronation, supination, olecranon, trochlear, head of the radius & capitulum. Humeroulnar joint, humeroradial joint & the proximal radioulnar joint.  Terms that we absolutely didn't squeeze in the end are; medial and lateral collateral ligaments. Annular ligament and the quadrate ligament.   

The Primary & Secondary muscles of Respiration

In this episode, we explore the muscles responsible for ventilation or breathing. Those primarily responsible for expanding the thorax and indirectly the lungs and those that can be recruited when forcefully trying to do so. What are they, where are they and how do they work?  Terms covered in this episode; Respiration, ventilation, primary and secondary muscles of respiration. The diaphragm, intercostal muscles and Boyle's law.