Dissectible Me 5 minute anatomy

Midbrain neuroanatomy

The midbrain is the upper part of the brainstem. In here we find tracts running to and from the spinal cord and cerebrum. We find nuclei and groups of neurones such as the substantia nigra, red nucleus, periaqueductal grey, colliculi and reticular formation. Cranial nerves III and IV come out of the brainstem. What do all of these things do? What does all this mean? 

Muscles of the knee

Quadriceps femoris and the hamstrings are powerful extensors and flexors of the knee respectively, but they also cross the hip joint. Let's talk about their anatomy. 

Pelvic floor anatomy

The pelvic floor (or pelvic diaphragm) describes the structures at the lowest point of the pelvis, largely muscles, that support the pelvic organs directly and everything else inside the torso. Let's explain concisely the important anatomy here.

Finger tendon pulleys and trigger finger anatomy

The flexor tendons of the fingers run into synovial tunnels that let them move freely as we strengthen and relax our grip. These tunnels are tied down to the bone by some extraordinarily strong annular and cruciform pulleys that keep the tendons close to the bone. Let's describe their anatomy and their naming. 

Arches of the foot

There are 3 arches in the foot: a medial longitudinal arch, a lateral longitudinal arch and a transverse arch. Why do humans have arches in their feet? What's the anatomy here? 

Plantar aponeurosis or plantar fascia

The plantar aponeurosis (or plantar fascia) is a very strong connective structure on the sole of the foot, deep to the skin, running from the heel bone to the toes. It protects the structures in the plantar foot, supports the longitudinal arches and returns stored energy during the gait cycle to improve the efficiency of walking and running. It can be injured leading to pain anterior to the calcaneus on the plantar foot and a condition called plantar fasciitis. 

Uterus anatomy

The uterus lies in the pelvis and has three layers. The endometrium is a specialised layer able to receive a blastocyst and with it form a placenta to support a growing foetus. The myometrium is a thick smooth muscle layer able to stretch to match the growth of the developing foetus and then expel it at birth. The perimetrium is a thin covering to the uterus that is largely peritoneum. The cervix is the entrance to the body of the uterus and the uterine tubes connect to the ovaries. Ligaments, endopelvic fascia and the levator ani muscle group all support the uterus. 

Musculovenous pump anatomy

What is the musculovenous pump? How does it help lift all that blood from your legs back up to your heart when you're walking around? Let's talk about the veins and their valves, where they lie in the lower limbs and the deep fascia that surrounds them and the muscles. 

Femoral triangle

The femoral triangle is an anatomical region in the upper anterior thigh bordered by the inguinal ligament, sartorius muscle and adductor longus muscle. In here we find the femoral nerve, femoral artery and femoral vein with some lymph nodes. These large blood vessels can be used to access vascular structures in the lower limb and torso, including the heart. 

Anatomy of fertilisation

The ovum (or oocyte or egg) passes from the ovary into the uterine tube (or Fallopian tube). Spermatozoa pass from the vagina through the cervix into the uterus and then into the uterine tube. Fertilisation happens here, in the uterine tube. How does all this happen? What is an ectopic pregnancy?