Margaret H. Cooper

Cortical projections to the inferior colliculus of the cat

Abstract Cortical projections to the inferior colliculus were studied in the cat by the Nauta and the Fink and Heimer degeneration techniques. The auditory cortex projects to all parts of the ipsilateral inferior colliculus, with the the terminations especially heavy in the external nucleus and the dorsomedial part of the central nucleus. Projections from the somesthetic, visual, and motor areas of the cortex terminate in various parts of the external nucleus and the medial part of the central nucleus. These connections are discussed as a possible inhibitory function to the inferior colliculus and thus influencing the ascending auditory system. The subdivisions of the inferior colliculus are also discussed.

The maxillary line: anatomic characterization and clinical utility of an important surgical landmark.

Objectives: The maxillary line is a mucosal projection along the lateral nasal wall that serves as a landmark for endoscopic sinus and orbital procedures. The anatomic relations of this structure are not well described. We sought to define the anatomy of the maxillary line and explore its clinical utility.

Sphenoethmoidectomy: the case for ethmoid marsupialization

The authors report 510 sphenoethmoidectomics performed on 255 patients between 1969 and 1985. An overall polyp recurrence rate of 19.2% and less than a 1% complication rate are reported during that time. In patients followed jointly by the otolaryngologists and allergist, including 374 consecutive sphenoethmoidectomies on 187 patients who had this operation performed by the senior author, there was an overall polyp recurrence rate of 15% and a complication rate which was again less than 1%. Recent improvements in recurrence rates and diminished complication rates are attributed to better visualization and adherence to the concept of complete exenteration or marsupialization of the ethmoid labyrinth including middle turbinate resection in every case. Cooperation between the otolaryngologist and allergist is stressed, along with the realization that pulmonary and sinus diseases are frequently interrelated and may both be benefited by the performance of sphenoethmoidectomy in the patient with hyperplastic rhinosinusitis.

Neurons of the Hypoglossal Nucleus of the Rat

The neurons of the hypoglossal nucleus in the medulla of the brain stem of the laboratory rat are described from Nissl, Golgi impregnation, horseradish peroxidase, and electron microscopic preparations. The cell body of the neuron is multipolar, measures 30μm to 40μm in its largest diameter, and gives off four to five primary dendrites. As the dendrites radiate from the cell body they may remain within the ipsilateral hypoglossal nucleus, cross the midline into the contralateral hypoglossal nucleus, or extend out into the adjacent reticular formation.

The hypoglossal nucleus of the primate: A Golgi study

The neurons of the hypoglossal nucleus were examined in Golgi preparations of adult macaque and squirrel monkeys. Two distinct types of neurons were found. The first type was a large multipolar cell which was typical of the majority of the neurons of the nucleus. Its soma ranged in size from 18 to 50 micrometers and numerous dendrites emerged from it. The dendritic spread of these neurons was within the ipsilateral nucleus, across the midline into the contralateral hypoglossal nucleus, or out into the adjacent reticular formation. The second type of neuron was a small cell. The soma of this neuron was oval in shape, measured less than 20 micrometers in its largest diameter, and gave off only two or three dendrites which remained within the nucleus.

Stylohamular dissection: A new method for en bloc resection of malignancies of the infratemporal fossa†‡

This study is a description of the “stylohamular” dissection, a technique for the en bloc resection of the infratemporal fossa. The medial plane of this dissection extends from the styloid process to the hamulus of the pterygoid just lateral to the foramen lacerum, allowing the surgeon to spare the internal carotid artery. The foramen ovale and foramen spinosum are routinely exposed during this procedure. Medially, the pterygoid musculature serves as the margin of the cancer block. Posteriorly, the mastoid tip may be included in this resection. Anteriorly, the lateral pterygoid plate is resected making it the anterior vertical plane of the dissection. Laterally, skin and mandible are the block margins. In the last three years, this approach has been utilized in eight patients with advanced malignancies involving the infratemporal fossa. The results are encouraging. Five patients have remained well and free of disease for a maximum of three years postoperatively. Two patients have had recurrence of their tumor from six months to one year postoperatively. Palliation in all patients was excellent. The literature on various infratemporal dissections and their results is reviewed.

Infratemporal Fossa and Lateral Skull Base Dissection: Long-Term Results

In 1981, we described a new surgical technique featuring en bloc removal of infratemporal fossa malignancies. This approach offered a systematic resection of cancers in this region and was designated “stylohamular dissection” because the medial boundary of the bloc is surgical plane between the styloid process and the hamulus of the pterygoid. All structures lateral to this plane are removed, sparing the internal carotid artery. Since 1977, twenty infratemporal fossa and lateral skull base dissections have been performed for palliation of metastatic or recurrent disease in the infratemporal fossa. Most patients obtained palliation of trismus, facial pain, or relief from an unmanageable ulcerating lesion. This technique offers improved average disease-free intervals, as well as enhanced survival rates compared to non-en bloc resections. A summary of the case presentations, survival statistics, and surgical technique with detailed cadaver dissections are presented.

Right common carotid artery crossing the midline neck anterior to the trachea: A cadaver case report

The course of the proximal common carotid artery is reasonably uniform. Its normal position is taken for granted when performing invasive procedures, but variations should be in back of the mind of the surgeon.

Phonosurgery Demonstration: Medialization, Arytenoid Adduction

Educational objectives: To understand anatomy of laryngeal phonosurgery and to obtain greater understanding of surgical procedures of medialization laryngoplasty and arytenoid adduction.

The Histologic Effect of Hypervitaminosis A on Laryngeal Cartilages

This study investigated the role of hypervitaminosis A on the developing larynx. Pregnant rats received a dose of 100,000 units of Vitamin A on either Day 8 or Day 11 of gestation. The hyaline laryngeal cartilages of the neonatal rats were studied. The cricoid and arytenoid cartilages appeared to be the most affected. There was a pronounced central disorganization of the structure of the cartilage, with numerous swollen lacunae devoid of chondrocytes. The thyroid cartilage was the least affected. The center of the cartilage displayed a minimal amount of disorganization, when compared to the control. The effect of hypervitaminosis A on cartilaginous tissue is discussed, as well as its possiible effect on the development of laryngeal cartilages.