Flexibility of Thiel's embalmed cadavers: the explanation is probably in the muscles.
Summary of "Flexibility of Thiel's embalmed cadavers: the explanation is probably in the muscles."
INTRODUCTION:
The flexibility of cadavers conserved using Thiel's embalming method remains unexplained. We aimed to perform microscopic comparison of muscle and tendon fibres from fresh cadavers (FC), formaldehyde-preserved cadavers (FPC) and cadavers conserved by Thiel's method (TC).
METHODS:
Muscle and tendon biopsies performed on FC, FPC and TC were conditioned and stained by Masson's trichrome, Sirius red and Ramon y Cajal, then studied under optical microscope. Alignment and integrity of the muscle and tendon fibres were studied.
RESULTS:
We observed a modification of the muscle fibres in all specimens from TC, regardless of the type of staining used. The muscle fibres taken from FC and FPC were relatively well conserved, both in terms of alignment and integrity. We did not observe any modification of collagen in either muscle or tendon fibres.
CONCLUSIONS:
The considerable fragmentation of the muscle proteins, probably caused by certain corrosive chemicals, (e.g. boric acid) present in Thiel's embalming solution, could explain the suppleness of the TC. However, we cannot exclude the possibility of alterations in tendon or muscle collagen, since the experimental methods we used, did not allow for the study of collagen ultrastructure.
Affiliation
Laboratory of Anatomy/INSERM U887, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Burgundy, 7 Bd Jeanne d'Arc, 21033, Dijon, France, m.benkhadra@wanadoo.fr.
Journal Details
This article was published in the following journal.
Name: Surgical and radiologic anatomy : SRA
ISSN: 1279-8517
Pages:
Links
- PubMed Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20632174
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00276-010-0703-8
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Range Of Motion, Articular
The distance and direction to which a bone joint can be extended. Range of motion is a function of the condition of the joints, muscles, and connective tissues involved. Joint flexibility can be improved through appropriate MUSCLE STRETCHING EXERCISES.
Facial Muscles
Muscles of facial expression or mimetic muscles that include the numerous muscles supplied by the facial nerve that are attached to and move the skin of the face. (From Stedman, 25th ed)
Respiratory Muscles
These include the muscles of the DIAPHRAGM and the INTERCOSTAL MUSCLES.
Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials
Recorded electrical responses from muscles, especially the neck muscles or muscles around the eyes, following stimulation of the EAR VESTIBULE.
Ophthalmoplegia
Paralysis of one or more of the ocular muscles due to disorders of the eye muscles, neuromuscular junction, supporting soft tissue, tendons, or innervation to the muscles.
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