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The palmaris longus muscle: its anatomic variations and functional morphology
Mangala M Pai1, Latha V Prabhu, S R Nayak
1Department of Anatomy, Center for Basic Sciences, Kasturba Medical College, Bejai, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. drmmpai@gmail.com
The palmaris longus muscle shows significant anatomical variations, including agenesis and altered orientation. Awareness of these variations is crucial for surgeons, as this muscle can be a valuable tendon graft.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Kinesiology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- The palmaris longus muscle, a superficial forearm flexor, exhibits notable variations in its morphology and evolutionary presentation.
- Its biomechanical role in forearm flexion and supination has been a subject of extensive research in medical literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional morphology and evolutionary aspects of the palmaris longus muscle.
- To document observed anomalies and variations in the palmaris longus muscle through cadaveric dissections.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of published data on palmaris longus morphology and evolution.
- Macroscopic examination and dissection of 30 human cadavers to observe muscle variations.
Main Results:
- Complete agenesis of the palmaris longus was observed in 4% of limbs.
- Reversed muscle-tendon orientation occurred in 2% of limbs, and duplication in 1%.
Conclusions:
- The palmaris longus muscle displays significant polymorphic presentation and variations.
- Understanding these anatomical variations is clinically important for surgeons, particularly for its utility as a tendon graft in reconstructive surgery.
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