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The pterygopalatomaxillary suture is considered as having an important role in the posteroanterior growing of the maxilla. To determine whether this suture is a growing suture in the fetus, we performed a histological study of this suture in a fetus aged of 16 weeks of amenorrhea. Serial sections (5 microm) of the pterygopalatomaxillary suture area have been performed. Fibrous sutures are separating four pieces of ossification (maxilla, palatine bone, lateral and medial plates of the pterygoid process). A fibroblastic growing site has been observed on the dorsal aspect of the pterygopalatomaxillary suture, in contact to the anterior border of the lateral plate of the pterygoid process. The posteroanterior growing of maxilla is dependent on a growing suture located on the anterior border of the pterygoid process. The pterygoid process (via its lateral plate) makes the junction between the maxilla and both the cranial base and the condylar mandibular site of growth.

To determine the postural role of longus colli (LC) and dorsal neck muscles, we have studied the relationship between their cross-sectional areas related to their force of contraction and the lordosis and the length of the cervical spine. This study was carried out in 36 healthy subjects. Muscle cross-sectional areas were measured by computerized tomography. The index of lordosis and the length of the cervical spine were measured on an X-ray profile. The cross-sectional area of LC was correlated to the lordosis index (R = -0.432, p < 0.02) whereas all the other parameters were not correlated. The authors conclude that LC counteracts the lordosis increment related to the weight of the head and to the contraction of the dorsal neck muscles. Postural functions of LC and postcervical muscles are complementary. They form a sleeve which encloses and stabilizes the cervical spine in all positions of the head.

The fetal development of the pyloric muscle was studied in five human embryos (crown-rump length 5 to 31 mm) and in ten fetuses aged 3 to 9 months. Samples of pyloric muscle were obtained during operation for pyloric stenosis in two infants aged six weeks. Anatomo-radiologic, morphologic and immunohistochemical studies were made on this material, from which it emerged that the pylorus is identifiable by means of specific markers from the 40th day. Its two-layered muscular structure is described in detail. The mechanism of sphincteric function is reviewed. This study assumes clinical importance in the context of the etiopathogenesis of hypertrophic stenosis of the pylorus.

Biomechanical models of the cervical spine require knowledge of the position, size and orientation of the individual muscles that act on the cervical spine. We have developed a technique to stereometrically measure anatomical specimens. The apparatus is composed of three graduated metallic rods, which slide along a fixed support. This method is accurate to map the anatomy of individual muscles and provides quantitative data on their lines of action. Results are obtained from one specimen. The computer processing of the collected data allows formulation of a three-dimensional model of the neck muscles in man.

To gain a better understanding of the development of the human diaphragm, a study of the arterial supply was made in 20 fetuses. The Micropaque injection was injected either by an ascending route in the thoracic aorta or by a descending route in the left internal carotid below the ductus arteriosus. Two studies using diaphanization have displayed the diaphragmatic anastomoses. The phrenic and the intercostal a. seemed the most important to explain the diaphragm organogenesis.

A description of anatomical lesions in the intersexual states has been made based on clinical and anatomical observations. This study provides the anatomical basis which is necessary before surgical genital reconstruction can be carried out.