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An Anatomical Study of Nerves at Risk During Minimally Invasive Hallux Valgus Surgery

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Anatomical variations and evolution: re-evaluating their importance for surgeons.

Arthur Saniotis^1,2, Maciej Henneberg^2,3

¹Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Science, Knowledge University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

ANZ Journal of Surgery

|December 28, 2020

Summary

Human anatomical variations are increasing due to relaxed natural selection, indicating ongoing microevolution. Understanding evolutionary influences on human morphology is crucial for anatomists and surgeons.

Keywords:

anatomical variation microevolution morphology pathogenesis

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Area of Science:

Evolutionary biology
Human anatomy
Biological anthropology

Background:

Anatomical variations in humans have been studied for decades.
Some variations pose diagnostic challenges or indicate adverse symptoms.
Recent arguments suggest anatomical changes reflect ongoing microevolution.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the link between reduced differential mortality and increased heritable trait variation.
To emphasize the role of relaxed natural selection in driving anatomical changes.
To advocate for enhanced understanding of evolutionary influences on human morphology.

Main Methods:

Review of anatomical and anthropological literature.
Analysis of historical trends in human mortality and natural selection.
Synthesis of evidence for microevolutionary changes in human populations.

Main Results:

Reduced differential mortality since the mid-19th century has led to increased variation.
This variation manifests in musculoskeletal and vascular anatomy, and congenital disorders like spina bifida occulta.
Anatomical changes demonstrate ongoing microevolution in human lineages.

Conclusions:

Surgeons and anatomists need a deeper understanding of evolution's impact on human morphology.
Knowledge of anatomical variations is vital for minimizing surgical complications.
Current understanding of evolutionary influences on human anatomy requires significant improvement.