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Woodruff's plexus-arterial or venous?
Cezar Octavian Morosanu1, Craig Humphreys2, Stephanie Egerton2
1Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC), University of Liverpool, Sherrington Building, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK. cezaroctavian.morosanu@yahoo.com.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA
|October 29, 2021
Summary
Woodruff's plexus, a vascular network in the nose, is confirmed as venous by anatomical studies. Despite common belief, current evidence does not support an arterial nature for this plexus, which is linked to posterior epistaxis.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Vascular Biology
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Woodruff's plexus is a nasal vascular network implicated in posterior epistaxis.
- Literature presents conflicting views on its arterial or venous nature.
- This review clarifies the anatomical understanding of Woodruff's plexus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and evaluate current knowledge on Woodruff's plexus.
- To resolve discrepancies regarding the vascular nature of Woodruff's plexus.
- To assess its role in posterior epistaxis.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of literature from major scientific databases.
- Keywords used: 'Woodruff', 'posterior', 'plexus'.
- Independent reviewers analyzed collected articles.
Main Results:
- 154 articles were identified, with 40 included in the review.
- Only two anatomical dissection studies identified the plexus as venous.
- 23 articles incorrectly described the plexus as arterial without anatomical support.
Conclusions:
- Modern anatomical studies support Woodruff's original description of a venous plexus.
- The notion of an arterial Woodruff's plexus lacks anatomical evidence.
- Misconceptions likely stem from clinical associations with posterior epistaxis.
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