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Histological analysis of the rectus capitis posterior major's myodural bridge.
- Source :
-
The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society [Spine J] 2013 May; Vol. 13 (5), pp. 558-63. Date of Electronic Publication: 2013 Feb 11. - Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- Background Context: In recent literature, a soft-tissue communication between the rectus capitis posterior major (RCPma) muscle and the cervical dura mater has been identified. To the best of our knowledge, this communication has yet to be validated from a histological perspective nor has it been examined for neural tissue.<br />Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the composition and true continuity of the communication between the RCPma and the dura mater at a microscopic level. The communication was also inspected for the presence of proprioceptive neurons.<br />Study Design: An anatomical and histological analysis of a novel structure in the atlantoaxial interspace.<br />Methods: Gross dissection was performed on 11 cadavers to remove the RCPma, the soft-tissue communication, and a section of posterior cervical dura mater as one continuous unit. Paraffin embedding and sectioning followed by hematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted to validate the connection. Staining with antineurofilament protein fluorescent antibodies was performed to identify proprioceptive neural tissue on one specimen, and all findings were recorded via photographic documentation.<br />Results: Histological investigation revealed a tendinous matrix inserting into both the RCPma and the posterior aspect of the cervical dura mater in all 11 specimens. In the one specimen examined for neural tissue, antineurofilament protein fluorescence revealed proprioceptive neurons within the communication. Immunoperoxidase staining demonstrated the insertion of these neurons into both the dura mater and the belly of the RCPma.<br />Conclusions: The existence of a true connection between the RCPma and the cervical dura mater provides new insight in understanding the complex anatomy of the atlantoaxial interspace. The presence of a neural component within this connection suggests that it may serve another function aside from simply anchoring this muscle to the dura mater. Such a connection may be involved in monitoring dural tension and may also play a role in certain cervicogenic pathologies. This study also supports previous reports that no true membrane joins the posterior arch of the atlas to the laminae of the axis and contradicts the conventional belief that the ligamentum flavum joins these two structures.<br /> (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Subjects :
- Atlanto-Occipital Joint anatomy & histology
Axis, Cervical Vertebra anatomy & histology
Cadaver
Cervical Vertebrae
Female
Humans
Male
Neck anatomy & histology
Cervical Atlas anatomy & histology
Connective Tissue anatomy & histology
Dura Mater anatomy & histology
Neck Muscles anatomy & histology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1878-1632
- Volume :
- 13
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 23406969
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2013.01.015