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Background: The intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) can present anatomic alterations in its course, but in general it originates as a lateral branch of the second intercostal nerve and penetrates the axilla, in the mid axillary line. Its communication with brachial plexus (BP) is of clinical importance. Neurotization and nerve grafting procedures have renewed interest in the communications of peripheral nerves, like that of between BP and ICBN. Aims and Objective: The current study was conducted with an aim to observe the variation in the origin of extra thoracic course of the ICBN and its connection with the components of BP. Materials and Methods: One hundred thirty hemi-thoraxes of 65 adult cadavers (35male & 30 female) of Indian origin were dissected. After removal of the skin and superficial fascia, the ICBN was identified from its origin. The point of emergence from the intercostal space and its communication with BP was noted and photographed. Results: Extrathoracically, ICBN originated from the 2nd intercostals space in 100% specimens. Additionally ICBN originated from the 1st intercostals space in 3.8% specimens, from 3rd intercostals space in 20.7% cases. The ICBN communicated more frequently with medial cutaneous nerve of the arm (MCN) in 63% cases and with other BP branches in 44.6% cases. Conclusion: In the present study we observed ICBN and BP are coherently linked anatomically. The anatomical knowledge of ICBN origin and its variable communication with BP branchesis significant in the event of surgical treatment of breast cancers, lymph node clearance, anaesthetic nerve blocks and traction injuries to the brachial plexus.

Background: Knowledge of normal development pattern of various endocrine cells of the human pancreas is of paramount importance, due to its implication during replacement therapies in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Development related literature of fetal pancreas is scanty due to ethical and technical difficulties to obtain fetuses. Aims and Objectives:Present study was conducted on 49 fetuses from gestational weeks 10 to 40 to obtain the sequential appearance and arrangement of islets of langerhans cells of pancreas. Material and Methods: Forty nine fetuses were collected in formal saline immediately after abortion, medical termination of pregnancy or premature delivery. The fetal pancreas was processed for paraffin blocks. Sections were taken and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin as well as Gomori’s modified Aldehyde Fuchsin stain and observed under light microscope. Results: Islets were initially a small number of cells with Alpha cells, which were seen at 10th week of gestation. Beta cells were identified in the islets of fetuses around 16 weeks of gestation. Delta cells were observed from 17 weeks onwards and islets appeared as a group from the beginning of 19th week. Conclusion: In the present study we observed a sequential development of Alpha, Beta and Delta cells and subsequent grouping of the islets. The exact gestational time of appearance of above islet cells and their encapsulation can add to the existing knowledge data base for successful transplant of pancreas in patients of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

An incompletely rotated left kidney, with variations in the hilar anatomy associated with accessory renal vessels was seen during routine undergraduate dissection in an adult male cadaver. The left kidney showed three accessory renal vessels. Two renal arteries and one vein entered the lower pole of left kidney. The hilum of the kidney was anteriorly faced and was close to the upper pole, with the ureter running on the anterior surface of the kidney. This was associated with variation in the arrangement of the structures at the hilum. Structures found at the hilum from superficial to deep were: The ureter, one renal vein, and two renal arteries. The ureter was anteroinferior and lateral to the renal vein. The renal arteries were posterosuperior and posteroinferior to the renal vein. The rotational anomaly associated with the presence of accessory renal vessels assumes importance while performing percutaneous procedures in relation to the kidney, screening of donors, and also during interpretation of various radiological diagnostic procedures related to the kidney.