by Aaron G. Filler, MD, PhD
Figure 10 – 5 Homeotic Variants in Humans
A – X-ray showing cervical rib at seventh cervical vertebra in human with nerve compression symptoms.
B – Magnetic resonance neurogram (MRN) showing distorted course of C8 and T1 spinal nerves. (h) - hyperintensity, (s) - spinal nerve, (g) dorsal root ganglion.
C – Comparison of human X-rays in individuals with four and six lumbar vertebrae.
D – Use MRN to identify and count spinal nerves as they combine to form plexus and distal nerve elements.
A - Photograph by Aaron G. Filler © Copyright Aaron G. Filler (2007) The Upright Ape: A New Origin of the Species. Franklin Lakes, New Jersey; New Page Books.
B - Photograph by Aaron G. Filler of image reconstructed from original medical image, figure modified after: Filler, A. G., M. Kliot, F. A. Howe, et al. (1996). Application of magnetic resonance neurography in the evaluation of patients with peripheral nerve pathology. Journal of Neurosurgery 85(2): 299-309.
C - Modified, after: Filler, A. G. (1993). Evolution of the sacrum in hominoids. Surgical Disorders of the Sacrum. J. R. Doty and S. S. Rengachary. New York, N.Y., Thieme Medical Publishers: 13-20. Reprinted with permission of Thieme.
B/D - Modified, after: Filler, A. G., K. R. Maravilla et al (2004). MR neurography and muscle MR imaging for image diagnosis of disorders affecting the peripheral nerves and musculature. Neurologic Clinics 22(3): 643-82. Reproduced by permission of Elsevier.