Dissectible Me 5 minute anatomy

The Extraocular muscles

Gazing at the words before you, your eyes track left to right utilising muscles attached to the eye's outer surface to do so. These ‘extraocular’ muscles are the focus of today's podcast. Let’s discuss the names and locations of these seven muscles, whilst also outlining their primary functions and the nerves that innervate these actions.

The Breast

This week we discuss the anatomy of one of the features that define us humans as mammals, that is the mammary glands or breast tissue. In this episode, we review breast anatomy and the normal physiological changes that occur during the life cycle. Whilst also outlining changes to the breast that warrant greater cause for concern. We focus on the vascular supply and perhaps more importantly the lymphatics of the breast aiming to provide a basic introduction to breast anatomy.
Terms covered in this podcast; Lobules, Lactiferous ducts, Suspensory ligaments of Cooper, Tubercles of Montgomery, Plexus of Sappey, Lateral thoracic artery (aka external mammary artery), and Internal thoracic (aka internal mammary artery).

The Achilles Tendon

Today we discuss a tendon named after the Ancient Greek Demigod Achilles which is a good name for the strongest tendon in the human body! Legend has it Achilles was dipped in the River Styx by his mother Thetis who secured him by his heal to do so. This action made Achilles invulnerable to damage everywhere that touched the sacred waters. Fast forward to the Trojan war and an arrow shot to the unsanctified ‘Achilles heel’ ultimately resulted in his demise and has forever become synonymous with a weak spot or vulnerability. Let’s explore the anatomy of said tendon, its function, and some clinical bits and bobs to close out this 5-minute soundbite.

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!