Kapil Sewsaran Satyapal

University of KwaZulu-Natal | ukzn · Department of Clinical Anatomy

Dentition plays a crucial role in the fields of forensic science, forensic odontology and anthropology for age and sex estimation. The aim of this study was to determine the degree of sexual dimorphism and age prediction capabilities of permanent dentition using morphometric analysis. Six hundred digital panoramic radiographs (n=600), belonging to...

Purpose Age estimation plays a pivotal role in the forensics sciences, medico-legal and clinical dentistry fields. The Willems method has gained significant recognition over the past two decades; however, the accuracy of it varies between population groups and across different regions within a country. Consequently, the present study aimed to inves...

Background Dental age estimation is important in clinical practice for orthodontic treatment, forensic sciences and radiology. The Nolla (1960) classification scheme is one of the most frequently utilized estimation tools in teaching and clinical practice. However, the applicability of the Nolla (1960) classification scheme in determining age in a...

Summary Vertebral artery (VA) injuries remain one of the most encountered complications during surgical intervention at the craniovertebral junction (CVJ). Anatomically, the suboccipital segment is the most complicated segment of the VA. The artery undergoes a series of bends to form proximal and distal loops. In addition to this standard anatomic...

The intracranial segment of the vertebral artery (VA) is the unique part of the artery where the two VAs join to form a single vascular channel, viz. the basilar artery. In addition to this typical description, anatomical variations have been described; the presence of anatomical variation has been associated with some pathological processes, neuro...

Introduction The most common type of vascular complication during cervical spine surgery is the vertebral artery (VA) injury. The presence of anatomical variation in the artery's morphology has been a significant factor for arterial injury during surgery. Therefore, physicians planning interventions in the craniospinal region need to be aware of th...

PILLAY, P.; ISHWARKUMAR, S. & SATYAPAL, K. S. Classification of the patterns of the emerging branches of the superficial cervical plexus. Int. J. Morphol., 39(2):607-611, 2021. SUMMARY: The cutaneous branches of the superficial cervical plexus (SCP) emerge at variable points, from beneath the posterior margin of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and f...

The complex embryonic origin of the vertebrobasilar system may result in a wide range of anatomical variations. It has been hypothesized that the formation of fenestrations are likely to occur due to the failure of regression of the bridging arteries that connect the longitudinal neural arteries during embryogenesis. Fenestration of the vertebrobas...

Pandemics are nothing unusual but indeed lead to devastating effects that play a pivotal role in reshaping human history. The COVID-19 outbreak is currently responsible for major educational crises globally as most of the world has been faced with a mandated lockdown, and forced closure of educational institutions, including medical colleges. Anato...

The sphenoid air sinus is located deep at the base of the skull and is intimately related to delicate neurovascular structures. The purpose of this study was to describe the variations of the sphenoid sinus in relation to pneumatisation within the sphenoid bone, its ostium and the structures related to the walls of the sinus. Twenty-five cadaveric...

The exact dimensions of the scapula, including the coracoid process and glenoid fossa, are fundamental in the patho-mechanics of the glenohumeral joint (GHJ); as these structures act as initiators of shoulder movement. The aim of the study was to evaluate the anthropometric parameters of the GHJ, with emphasis on the coracoid process and glenoid fo...

Background: Reflecting on teaching is commonly cited as a fundamental practice for personal and professional development. Educational research into the scholarship of teaching and learning anatomy includes engaging in discipline specific literature on teaching, reflecting on individual teaching methods and communicating these findings to peers. Th...

The suprarenal glands are bilaterally supplied by three suprarenal arteries and drained by a single suprarenal vein. Variable vascular origins of the fetal suprarenal gland have been documented in different population groups viz. Indian, Polish and Argentinian. However, there is lack of a detailed description regarding the course, relations, number...

INTRODUCTION: An impacted tooth is partially erupted or un-erupted, positioned against another tooth, bone or soft tissue in such a way as to prevent further eruption. Normal dental arch relationships are disrupted This study investigated the prevalence of impactions of third molar teeth amongst Indians residing in the greater eThekwini Metropolita...

The mandibular notch is located on the superior margin, between two prominent processes of the mandibular ramus, the coronoid and condylar processes. The mandibular notch permits the entry of the masseteric artery, vein and nerve to the deep surface the masseteric muscle. Literary reports documented variations in both, the shape and size of the man...

The coronary ostia (CO) lie within the left and right aortic sinuses, respectively; and are bound by the sinotubular junction (STJ) superiorly. The high frequency of cardiac procedures that require cath-eterization has necessitated the reappraisal of the anatomy of the origin of the coronary arteries. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the CO...

MOODLEY, M.; RENNIE, C.; LAZARUS, L. & SATYAPAL, K. S. The morphometry and morphology of the foramen magnum in age and sex determination within the South African Black population utilizing computer tomography (CT) scans. Int. J. Morphol., 37(1):251-257, 2019. SUMMARY: The morphology and morphometry of the foramen magnum aid forensic studies in iden...

The seven cervical vertebrae found in the human body are classified into typical and atypical vertebrae. Their transverse processes contain foramen transversarium (FT) and traditionally there is one foramen present on each side, of similar size. However, variations of this foramen regarding its shape, size, number, laterality, location and osteomet...

Human brain weight plays a significant role in clinical and forensic settings, as cause of death may affect brain weight; and may be used in the detection of abnormalities associated with neurological disorders. Brain weights are geography specific and incorrect reference ranges may hinder interpretation during clinical and autopsy settings. This s...

The dorsalis pedis artery (DPA) is the largest blood vessel distal to the ankle joint. It is the continuation of the anterior tibial artery (ATA) and runs along the dorsum of the foot until the 1st intermetatarsal space. The DPA gives rise to five branches, viz. medial tarsal, lateral tarsal, arcuate, deep plantar and dorsal metatarsal arteries. Gi...

As a dynamic stabilizer and flexor of the glenohumeral joint (GHJ), the long head of the biceps brachii tendon (LHBBT) is considered to be a common source of anterior shoulder pain as it is subjected to mechanical stress within the bicipital groove (BG). While the LHBBT is further stabilized by the retinacular activities of the transverse humeral l...

The external jugular vein (EJV) is formed by the union of the posterior division of the retromandibular vein and posterior auricular vein, while the internal jugular vein (IJV) is a continuation of the sigmoid sinus. A number of variations in the formation, lengths and drainage patterns of EJV and IJV have been documented in adults, however there i...

A better understanding of students’ attitudes towards body donation, their role as potential donors and their preparedness to support body donation activities may help in the preparation of body donor programme strategies. The aim of the study was to determine the willingness to self-donate, and the religious and cultural beliefs on body donation i...

The critical shoulder angle and acromion index are conventional radiological tools employed as predictors of shoulder degeneration. As they represent the static components of glenohumeral stability, the scapulo-humeral geometry and underlying subacromial tissue appear as the resultant cause-effect factors. Consequently, the purpose of this study wa...

Although the rectum is considered to be an organ rich in vascularity, the exact role of the middle rectal artery appears to be an area of much debate. Despite its principal supply from the superior rectal artery, there is a lack of information regarding the arterial supply to the fractionized proximal rectal regions. The approach to operative proce...

The morphology of the sphenoid air sinuses is variable amongst populations. The variation in terms of the morphology of this air sinus is particularly important in cranial base surgery. This study aimed to illustrate the three dimensional (3D) morphology of the sphenoid air sinus across ages 1 to 25 years in a South African population. The frequenc...

Organ weights may be influenced by various demographic parameters and environmental conditions, and they differ among populations. Numerous studies have been conducted in the Northern hemisphere, with paucity of literature regarding organ weights of many Southern hemispheric populations. This study aimed to document post-mortem organ weights of dec...

A detailed understanding of the coronary arteries is of paramount importance in the management of coronary arterial diseases. The arterial supply to the heart originates from right (RCA) and left (LCA) coronary arteries which form an oblique inverted crown within the atrioventricular groove. This study aimed to document the embryologic relationship...

BACKGROUND: The angle of shoulder slope has been reported in accordance with the specific occupational activities of the aviation and textile industries. However, as no accurate definition nor standardised anatomical landmarks exist within the medical field, this study aimed to devise an appropriate definition with preplaced reference landmarks. In...

The maxillary sinus varies according to age, however there are limited studies that have illustrated its 3D form over time. This study aimed to classify the maxillary sinus by the shape, number of septa and scallops in a 1 to 25 year age group, utilising computerized tomography (CT) scans and 3D reconstruction. CT scans (n=480) were reviewed from t...

Objective The purpose of this study was to establish the use of mobile devices by learners at a selected medical school. Distribution of mobile devices was an inaugural initiative implemented by our college. Design A mixed methodology design using a questionnaire comprising both open-ended and close-ended questions was analysed from 179 (60 male;...

The anatomy of the paranasal air sinuses (PAS) may vary in form and size across populations, and between the sexes and age (Yun et al., 2011). This study aimed to estimate the volumes of the PAS within a South African population using the latest available radiological techniques. Computer-ized tomography scans (n=480) were reviewed from the Pieterm...

Although the triangular deltoid muscle has three distinct portions originating from the scapula and acromion, the underlying coraco-acromial ligament presents as the stabilizing factor for the anterior deltoid, thus bridging the interval within the coraco-acromial arch. As the deltoid muscle integrity is vulnerable during the resection of the corac...

The plantar aponeurosis (PA), which is a thickened layer of deep fascia located on the plantar surface of the foot, is comprised of three parts. There are differing opinions on its nomenclature since various authors use the terms PA and plantar fascia (PF) interchangeably. In addition, the variable classifications of its parts has led to confusion....

Background: In obstructive coronary artery disease, coronary collateral arteries serve as alternative conduits for blood flow to the myocardial tissue supplied by the obstructed vessel(s). Therefore, they are a "natural coronary arterial bypass" to the region supplied by the obstructed vessels. This study aims to determine the influence of demograp...

Introduction The functional significance of coronary artery collateral (CAC) vasculature in humans has been debated for decades and this has been compounded by the lack of a standard, systematic, objective method of grading and documenting CAC flow in man. CACs serve as alternative conduits for blood in obstructive coronary artery disease. This stu...

This study introduced the new delto-fulcral triangle (DFT), the first anatomical model of its kind. As seen from the orthopaedician's supraspinatus-outlet view, the antero-superior point of the coracoid process along with the lateral- and posterior-most acromial landmarks form the boundaries of the DFT. Since these osseous scapular landmarks accoun...

The musculotendinous hood of the rotator cuff muscle complex is formed by four tendons which thicken and merge with the underlying glenohumeral capsule as they insert onto the respective regions of the humeral head. This insertional anatomy has been reported to exhibit several pathological patterns which serve as the basis for the operative repair...

The arterial integrity of the “critical zone” of the rotator cuff has led to much uncertainty regarding rotator cuff tendinopathy. As the region of the supraspinatus tendon is the most common area affected by impingement, its central aspect is situated approximately 10 mm from the insertion at the greater humeral tubercle. Although many studies hav...

This report describes two cases of multiple anomalies associated with the azygos venous system. In Case 1, the hemiazygos vein drained the 9th to 11th left posterior intercostal veins. At T9 vertebral level, the interazygos vein passed obliquely and anterior to the aorta to drain into the azygos vein on the right. In Case 2, the common venous trunk...

The acromion is classically described as one of the three scapular processes. Its antero-inferior aspect has been identified as the prime region of rotator cuff pathology. The purpose of this study was to determine the morphologic state of the acromion and the relative subacromial architecture within a South African population. The sample series co...

: Recent studies have regarded the fibula flap as the benchmark for the reconstruction and treatment of compound wounds and lesions. Owing to its postero-lateral location within the leg, the application of the fibula flap is deemed aesthetically advantageous as the donor scar can be easily hidden. Since the fibula is anatomically characterized by a...

The foramen spinosum (FS) and foramen venosum (of Vesalius) (FV) are alisphenoid apertures situated within the hub of the middle cranial fossa in close proximity to foramen ovale (FO). The FS and FV provide a passage to important neurovascular structures. An accurate knowledge of the morphometric details of the FS and FV including their shape, inci...

The tibia is the medial long bone of the leg and is characterized by a shaft and two expanded extremities. Despite the recent advent of tibial bone graft harvesting, the tibia has also been confirmed to be of great forensic significance. As this appears to be the only tibial dry bone study done in Southern Africa, this study aimed to investigate mo...

NAIDOO, N.; LAZARUS, L.; DE GAMA, B. Z.; AJAYI, N. O. & SATYAPAL, K. S. Arterial variations of the subclavian-axillary arterial tree: Its association with the supply of the rotator cuff muscles. Int. J. Morphol., 32(4):1436-1443, 2014. SUMMARY: The subclavian-axillary arterial tree is responsible for the arterial supply to the rotator cuff muscles...

The compression of the median nerve (MN) in the carpal tunnel (CT) is one of the most common aetiologies of entrapment neuropathy syndromes in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of the palpable bony prominences of the distal forearm (radial styloid process [RSP] and ulnar styloid process [USP]) with MN in t...

There is great variability in the branching patterns of the axillary artery (AA). Racial differences have been reported to play a role in this variability. The subscapular artery (SA) is the largest and most variable branch of the AA. It usually arises from the third part of the AA at the inferior border of the subscapularis muscle. Approximately 4...

The suprascapular artery (SSA) has been identified to be of clinical relevance in surgical intervention and fracture healing of the shoulder. Despite the classic description of its course and relation to the superior transverse scapular ligament, it is subject to much variation. The aims of this study were: (i) to describe the course of the SSA in...

The recurrent laryngeal nerve has been reported to supply cardiac branches to the cardiac plexus. A review of anatomical literature on the existing term used to describe these branches revealed that varying interpretations and descriptions exist among various authors. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the origin and incidence of branches f...

The common fibular nerve (CFN), is a branch of the sciatic nerve (SN) that exits the popliteal fossa and is located at the tuberculum of the fibula. At the tuberculum of the fibula, the CFN bifurcates into deep (DFN) and superficial (SFN) fibular nerves. Forty fetuses were micro-dissected to (i) describe the course of the CFN in relation to the tub...

The jugular foramina (JF) are bilateral openings situated between the lateral part of the occipital bone and the petrous part of the temporal bones in the human skull. It is a bony canal transmitting neurovascular structures from the posterior cranial fossa through the base of the skull to the carotid space. Since the JF depicts variations in shape...

The acromial morphology and relative subacromial architecture in the KwaZulu- Natal population. The acromion is an osteological landmark forming the summit of the shoulder. It is the most studied scapular process due to the frequency of associated pathology. The aim of this study was to determine the acromial morphology and relative subacromial arc...

For centuries, dissection of cadavers has been the backbone of anatomy teaching with extensive debates on the controversial topic of cadaver acquisition. This stems from the historical evidence of early surgeon-anatomists and their students who received bodies from resurrectionists. Furthermore, bodies of the poor and marginalized and executed crim...

Coronary artery anomalies are traditionally classified into anomalies of origin, course and termination. One of the anomalies of origin is absence of the left main coronary artery (LMCA), where the left anterior descending (LAD), the circumflex (Cx) and the ramus medianus (RM) (when present) arteries originate directly from the left aortic sinus. T...

The arterial supply to the rotator cuff muscles is generally provided by the subscapular, circumflex scapular, posterior circumflex humeral and suprascapular arteries. This study involved the bilateral dissection of the scapulohumeral region of 31 adult and 19 fetal cadaveric specimens. The subscapularis muscle was supplied by the subscapular, supr...

Laryngeal nerves have been observed to communicate with each other and forma variety of patterns. These communications have been studied extensively and have been of particular interest as it may provide an additional form of innervation to the intrinsic laryngeal muscles. Variations noted in incidence may help explain the variable position of the...

Background: Major coronary arteries usually have a subepicardial course and only dip into the myocardium near or at their termination. However, occasionally a segment of the epicardial artery may have an intramural course, and it is often referred to as a myocardial bridge. The left anterior descending (LAD) artery is the most commonly bridged ves...

An understanding of the left coronary artery (LCA) anatomy is important for accurate diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in the management of coronary arterial diseases. This angiographic study aims to document the parameters of the LCA that may be of importance in the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery diseases. An analysis of 151 coron...

The trigeminal cave (TC) is a special channel of dura mater, which extends from the posterior cranial fossa into the posteromedial portion of the middle cranial fossa at the skull base. The TC contains the motor and sensory roots of the trigeminal nerve, the trigeminal ganglion (TG) as well as the trigeminal cistern. This study aimed to review the...

Atherosclerotic occlusion of a coronary vessel is the commonest causeof ischaemic heart disease. The distribution of atherosclerotic lesions is not random,with stenoses preferentially situated at branch ostia, bifurcation points, and theproximal segments of daughter vessels. The aim of this study was to determinethe effect of the intrinsic anatomic...