Dissectible Me 5 minute anatomy

The Bones of the Foot

This week let’s discuss a ‘talus old as time’, by discussing the osteology of the foot. The human foot is an evolutionary and biomechanical marvel, and, in this episode, we will explore the basics of the bones and joints that make up its structure. Let's explore the subdivisions that make up the hind, mid, and forefoot and add in a couple of classic clinically relevant aspects of this anatomy.
A commonly used mnemonic to remember the small tarsal bones is Tiger Cubs Need M I L C.

The Ankle joint

This episode spotlights the anatomy of the ankle joint. The bones that make up the ankle, the joint itself, and the ligaments.
Terms discussed; medial & lateral malleoli, the talocrural joint (and alternatives), dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, eversion, and the deltoid & anterior talofibular ligaments (ATFL). 

The anatomy of a facial palsy (differentiating UMN vs LMN lesions)

This week let's tackle an area of anatomy that many learn ready for an exam, only to discover that this knowledge has gone again mere days to weeks later. The infamous but wonderful anatomy underpinning facial palsies and specifically how to differentiate upper vs lower motor neurone lesions.
In this podcast, we will discuss key anatomical principles underpinning types of motor neurones and give a nod to the corticobulbar tract. We will discuss how bicortical representation of the temporal branch of CNVII has no doubt saved countless lives. And finally, why weakness in the forehead and the inability to raise one’s eyebrows is somewhat reassuring in a facial nerve palsy. If this is an area of anatomy you struggle with or you simply want to hear more about it, then join us in this episode of dissectible me!

The Bladder and its innervation

To micturate or not to micturate that is the question? This week let's talk about bladder function and focus on what nerves facilitate this function. Stretch receptors, the detrusor muscle, internal vs external urethral sphincters, parasympathetic vs sympathetic bladder control, and the named nerves that control all of this. 

The Facial nerve (CNVII)

This week we explore the anatomy of cranial nerve VII, the Facial nerve. Let's travel along its tortuous route, and discover its many branches linking each to their varied functions. Along our journey, we will explore vestigial ear wigglers, a small muscle that probably dampens down and protects against LOUD NOISES, and finish by exploring the signs and symptoms experienced by someone during a facial nerve palsy. 
 

The Rotator cuff muscles

Some musculoskeletal anatomy this week, specifically the infamous rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder. Their location, function, and some clinical relevance such as rotator cuff tears and impingement.

The Scalp

This week let’s delve into the anatomy of the scalp. 5 layers of connective tissue that sit atop the cranial vault to provide numerous functions not limited to allowing a fancy hairdo. In this episode, we will explore the structure of these layers, the neurovascular supply and also discuss emissary veins. Examining this anatomy will allow us to explain why scalp lacerations can cause significant haemorrhage, and also understand why infections in the danger layer of the scalp can be life-threatening!

The Anal Canal

At the very end of the gastrointestinal tract is a length of bowel that is arguably the most important part of the whole tract. This terminal segment creates a solid, liquid, and event air-tight barrier, which provides control over bowel contents until it is socially acceptable to release them. But how? In this podcast, Sam discusses the anatomy of the four mechanisms of feacal continence. Specific areas covered include the internal vs external anal sphincters, the pelvic floor muscles, and the vascular anal cushions. Also discussed are nerve supply and aetiology of faecal incontinence. 

The Gallbladder & Biliary tree

Today we will tell you a story about a little green coloured fluid called bile that aids digestion and is made in a megafactory called the liver. One day it decides to escape the confines of the liver through a system of tunnels or drainage tubes. Along its treacherous journey bile is made to seek refuge in a safe house called the gallbladder. Only when its friend 'Cholecystokinin' gives it the “all clear” does it continue its liberation where along the way it joins forces with a fellow escapee 'exocrine juices' from a nearby prison called the pancreas. They unite! Together they form a crime-fighting super team, as they enter the rolling tundra of the duodenum, digesting and breaking down fats, proteins, or anything else that gets in their way!!……… Sorry I was chatting about some of my favourite films the other day and my mind wandered back to them when writing this synopsis……..today we are talking about the gallbladder, bile, and the biliary tree. We will cover the anatomy that underpins the clinical conditions of jaundice, cholecystitis, ascending cholangitis, and gallstone pancreatitis.

The Large Intestine

This week we tackle the large intestine…..figuratively speaking! Its location, parts, functions, and something that is particularly important in this area of anatomy, the blood supply.