Lelika Lazarus

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

Background The ophthalmic artery is the first branch of the internal carotid artery. It arises from the supraclinoid segment of the internal carotid artery within the subarachnoid space and enters the orbit via the optic canal. However, due to complex embryogenesis, the ophthalmic artery can arise from different parts of the internal carotid artery...

Introduction: Resection of the pancreas is done for benign and malignant diseases. Distal pancreatectomy (DP) is defined as a resection of the body and tail of the pancreas which lie to the left of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV). The inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) is traditionally described to be draining into the splenic vein. This study aimed...

Successful pregnancy is dependent on implantation, nutrient and gas exchange, as well as fetal protection from the immunologic attack. Placental pathologies and preterm delivery closely correlate with the size and shape of the placenta. Additionally, normal vaginal microbiota is disturbed during viral insults such as SARS-CoV-2 and HIV, with conseq...

Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs as a result of a severe head injury caused by an external force during a vehicle accident, fall, domestic violence, or explosion. Clinically, TBI is evaluated and classified clinically according to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), associated with Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR...

Background Understanding the anatomy of the anastomotic veins (AV) of the superficial cortical venous system (SCVS), viz. Superficial Sylvian vein (SSV) - also known as the superficial middle cerebral vein; vein of Labbe (VL) and vein of Trolard (VT), are imperative for neurosurgical procedures. This study aimed to investigate variant anatomical p...

Background The orbit is a craniofacial structure that has many important clinical implications as it can be affected by traumatic, vascular, congenital, neoplastic, and endocrine disorders therefore, its craniofacial evaluation is important. This study aimed to document the bony anthropometric orbital measurements in a normal South African paediatr...

Background Tessier cleft numbers 3 and 4 are rare congenital craniofacial malformations. Tessier cleft number 3 runs from the philtrum of the superior lip, traverses the ala of the nose and ends at the medial canthus of the eye. Tessier cleft number 4 commences between the philtrum and oral commissure in the superior lip, and ascends into the orbit...

The premature fusion of one coronal suture causes anterior synostotic plagiocephaly (ASP), which results in overt craniofacial dysmorphology that could be challenging to correct. This study aimed to document and compare the morphometry of the anterior cranial fossa (ACF), orbit, and ear on the ipsilateral (synostotic) and contralateral (nonsynostot...

Introduction Meningiomas are described as intracranial, extra-axial tumours arising from the arachnoid cap cells of the meninges. Due to the vast expanse of the meninges, the clinical presentation of meningiomas may vary. Treatment of this pathology involves surgical resection of the tumour. Preoperative tumour embolisation has proven to reduce blo...

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...

Introduction The vertebrobasilar artery is the combination of the bilateral vertebral artery and the basilar artery. The basilar artery extends from the confluence of the bilateral vertebral arteries at the pontomedullary junction, terminating at the ponto-mesencephalic junction. Depending on the geometry of the intracranial vertebral arteries and...

The right and left vertebral arteries are the first branches of the ipsilateral subclavian arteries. However, in the presence of anatomical variation due to complex embryogenesis, the vertebral artery can arise directly from the aortic arch or any of its major branches. The atypical origin of the vertebral artery is commonly associated with the lef...

Introduction: Due to varying cranial morphologies, ventricular access in patients with craniosynostosis using conventional techniques is often a challenge. Although ventricular access may not be frequently required in scaphocephalic patients, it is vital that an ideal location of the access points be established for safe ventricular catheterization...

Purpose Aneurysms of the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) account for ∼22–25% of deaths attributed to subarachnoid haemorrhage secondary to ruptured aneurysms. The variant anatomy of the vessels surrounding the ACoA may alter hemodynamic forces which may have a bearing on the development of the ACoA aneurysm. The present study aimed to describe...

Scaphocephaly is the morphological consequence of premature sagittal suture fusion. Morphologic and morphometric studies on the cranial vault in scaphocephaly flourish in the literature. However, few studies are available on the cranial base in a scaphocephalic population, let alone the morphometry of its fossae. Therefore, this study aimed to anal...

The right and left vertebral arteries supply approximately 24% of total brain blood flow volume in adult individuals. The vertebral artery is segmented into four parts, and each of the segments of the artery has associated morphologic variation. The variation in origin, level of entering the transverse foramen, tortuosity, fenestration, and hypopla...

Introduction With the rising incidence in global maternal mortality caused by obstetric hemorrhage, ligation of the internal iliac artery has emerged as a significant procedure in these patients due to its role as the major arterial source to the pelvic region. However, the internal iliac arterial tree often exhibits variation in its branching patt...

Introduction The defects found in Tessier clefts number 3 and number 4 come in various forms in different patients. These variations have to a great extent affected not only documentation of these craniofacial defects but invariably their treatment and communication amongst craniofacial researchers. This study has not only documented the clinical p...

Understanding the anatomy of the anastomotic veins (AV) of the superficial cortical venous system (SCVS), viz. superficial Sylvian vein (SSV) - also known as the superficial middle cerebral vein; vein of Labbe (VL) and vein of Trolard (VT), are imperative for neurosurgical procedures. This study aimed to investigate variant anatomical patterns of d...

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...

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...

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...

Background: Craniofacial clefts are rare occurrences with an incidence of about 1.43 to 4.85 per 100,000 live births. Understanding the skeletal deformity in these clefts is basic to any reconstructive surgery of the face. This study documented the skeletal defects present in Tessier numbers 3 and 4 using anthropometric measurements to generate a...

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 facial artery (a branch of the external carotid artery) is the main artery of the face. It gives rise to seven branches viz. inferior labial, superior labial, inferior alar, superior alar, lateral nasal and angular arteries, which are variable. This study included a dissection of twenty embalmed adult cadaveric head and neck specimens. The para...

The bicipital groove (BG) forms an indentation between the greater and lesser humeral tubercles and lodges the long head of biceps brachii tendon (LHBBT) along with the ascending branch of the circumflex humeral artery. This study aimed to determine the dimensions (length, width, depth) of the BG in a select South African population. The dimensions...

Background: As a dynamic stabiliser and flexor of the glenohumeral joint, the long head of the biceps brachii tendon (LHBBT) is further stabilised by the retinacular activities of the transverse humeral ligament (THL). Materials and methods: The LHBBT and THL which were obtained from a total of 40 cadaveric upper limb specimens (n = 80; females:...

Situs inversus totalis is a congenital condition characterized by the transposition of the thoracic and abdominal organs to the opposite side of the body. Situs inversus totalis is typically asymp-tomatic, however, these individuals are susceptible to certain defects and malformations such as vascular anomalies and mal-positioned viscera, which can...

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...

Background In 2016, WHO reported a death rate of 303,000 newborns before 4 weeks of age due to congenital anomalies. Those that survive congenital anomalies may have long-term disabilities which may have significant impacts on the individual, their families, the healthcare system, and societies. Tessier craniofacial clefts numbers 3 and 4 are conge...

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...

The purpose of this study was to investigate the sphenoidal sinus septation in a select South African population, and document the relation of the number and location of the septa to the structures intimately related to the sinus. The intersinus and intrasinus septa of the sinus, the number and attachments of the septa were recorded from forty five...

Rouviere's sulcus (RS) is a structure on the posterior surface of the liver that appears as a transverse cleft extending from the caudate process to the right lobe. RS lies exactly in the plane of the common bile duct, giving it important clinical applications in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, partial hepatectomy and other hepatobiliary operations....

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 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...

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...

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;...

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...

Inconsistent splanchnicectomies may be as a result of anatomical variation in the formation of the Thoracic splanchnic nerves(TSN). It is therefore important to know the incidence, pattern and variation of the TSN for splanchnicectomy. These contributions can assist with future splanchnicectomy procedures and for chronic pain management found with...

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...

Enthesopathy is considered to be an osseous phenomenon, either disease-specific or bone-site specific, which occurs at the enthesis of bone. Upon routine cadaveric dissection of the glenohumeral region in two Caucasian females, enthesopathy of the right proximal humerus was observed unilaterally in both cases. Case 1 exhibited an inconsistent patte...

The "critical zone", a region of speculated vascularity, is situated approximately 10mm proximal to the insertion of the supraspinatus tendon. Despite its obvious role as an anatomical landmark demarcator, its patho-anatomic nature has been identified as the source of rotator cuff pathology. Although many studies have attempted to evaluate the vasc...

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...

Background: The superficial palmar arch (SPA) and deep palmar arch (DPA) provide the dominant vascular supply to the hand. The SPA is considered to be highly variable and can be classified as either complete or incomplete. The simplest definition states that the anastomosis between the vessels contributing to the arch represent a complete arch, wh...

The carotid canal (CC) located in the petrous temporal bone transmits the internal carotid artery, internal carotid venous plexus and sympathetic nerve plexus from the neck into the cranial cavity. It is an accessible passage into the cranial cavity and is considered an important anatomical landmark for neurosurgeons. The aim of this study was to i...

Background: In medical education, reflection has been considered to be a core skill in professional competence. The anatomy laboratory is an ideal setting for faculty/ student interaction and provides invaluable opportunities for active learning and reflection on anatomical knowledge. Materials and methods: This study was designed to record stud...

Arising from the aorta, the right (RCA) and left (LCA) coronary arteries provide the arterial supply to both the atria and the ventricles of the heart. An extensive literature review revealed that most studies have either evaluated the morphology of the RCA or the LCA independently. This study aimed to document the relationship between the morpholo...

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...