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Morphological variability of the plantaris muscle origin in human fetuses

Anna Waśniewska1, Łukasz Olewnik2, Rui Diogo3

  • 1Department of Normal and Clinical Anatomy, Chair of Anatomy and Histology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.

Annals of Anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger : Official Organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft
|July 4, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The plantaris muscle (PM) was present in 78.7% of human fetuses studied, with six distinct types of origin identified. This research details fetal PM anatomy for comparison with adult studies.

Area of Science:

  • Anatomy
  • Embryology
  • Morphology

Background:

  • The plantaris muscle (PM) is a small muscle aiding knee and ankle movement, known for variability and clinical significance.
  • Existing data on the fetal origin morphology and morphometry of the plantaris muscle is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the morphology and morphometry of the plantaris muscle's origin in human fetuses.
  • To classify the types of proximal attachment of the plantaris muscle.

Main Methods:

  • Examination of 47 spontaneously-aborted human fetuses (23 male, 24 female) aged 18-38 weeks gestation.
  • Detailed morphological and morphometrical evaluation of the plantaris muscle's origin.

Main Results:

  • The plantaris muscle was observed in 78.7% of lower limbs; 21.3% lacked the muscle.
  • Six distinct types of proximal plantaris muscle attachment were identified.
  • Significant differences in belly width, thickness, tendon thickness, and musculotendinous junction thickness were noted among the identified types.

Conclusions:

  • Six types of plantaris muscle origin (I-VI) were classified in human fetuses.
  • Type Ia, attaching to the lateral head of the gastrocnemius, lateral femoral condyle, and knee capsule, was most common.
  • These findings provide a basis for comparing fetal and adult plantaris muscle anatomy.
Abstract

Keywords:
ClassificationFetusesMorphometryPlantaris muscle

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