2021, Vol.34, No.4

Anatomy & Biological Anthropology 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 0.33

pISSN : 2671-5651 / eISSN : 2671-566X
https://journal.kci.go.kr/aba

Fingerprint is a structure made up of skin ridges on the palm side of the distal phalanges of the fingers, and the ducts from the eccrine sweat glands are open on these ridges. Fingerprint is also formed by sweat remnants secreted from the sweat gland. In addition to prevent slipping, fingerprints stimulate the Pacinian corpuscles and play a role in sensitive feeling of the texture. Generally, fingerprint type is divided into arch, loop, and whorl. Loop type is the most common in Koreans. Fingerprint abnormalities appear in genetic diseases such as Down’s syndrome and mental disorder. When the mother is diabetes patient or infected with rubella virus, the type of fingerprint or number of ridges changes. Mutation of the SMARCAD1 gene generate neither fingerprints nor the eccrine sweat glands, suggesting that development of the sweat glands is important in fingerprint formation. Although the mechanism of fingerprint formation has not been well understood yet, the folding theory, in which fingerprint is formed by buckling process of the finger skin during fetal development, is the most convincing. To elucidate the specific mechanism of fingerprint formation with folding theory, mathematical modeling using the geometric elements of the finger and the biological factors involved in fingerprint formation is required.

Cross-sections allow us to better understand anatomical three-dimensional structures by providing depth perception. Cross-sections are also the basis for modern imaging technologies used in the medical field such as ultrasounds, computed tomography images (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Sectional anatomy is essential not only for understanding the structure and function of the human body, but for establishing accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. As shown, the importance of cross- sectional anatomy in conjunction with radiology is well recognized. Interestingly, numerous cross-sectional drawings were seen in Leonardo da Vinci’s anatomical notes from the 15th~16th century. Most these have distinctive descriptions of anatomy and were not seen in anatomy textbooks and atlases at that time. We studied Leonardo’s drawings to understand why he employed a sectional view of the human body. Leonardo da Vinci developed techniques to depict multiple angles of an object and applied these techniques in his drawing of the human body. By comparing the similarity of human and machine design, he aimed to comprehend the component’s movement and transmission of power into different parts. Further, he invented the technique of architectural cross-section drawing, and applied this method to anatomy study. He mentioned the importance of sectional view in the course of his patella research. It is assumed that his utilization of sectional anatomy was to locate ‘Senso Commune’ where human soul was presumed to be placed. In this context, we could see that Leonardo employed the sectional anatomy to analyze the structure and function of the human body.

Ultrasound is used as a useful diagnostic tool in the examination of the musculoskeletal system. Ultrasound provides a real-time image without ionizing radiation and is a noninvasive examination method. In addition, ultrasound is in the spotlight because the provision of dynamic imaging of small structures and the evaluation of ligaments, muscles and tendons, superficial tumors and peripheral nerves. Especially, due to the anatomical characteristics around the ankle, where important anatomical structures are exposed just under the skin, ultrasound is recognized as more important test with diagnostic significance in the field of foot and ankle than in other fields of orthopedics. This review aims to help the understanding of the anatomical structures around the ankle through an ultrasound approach. In addition, if normal and pathological findings of anatomic structures can be distinguished through this review, readers will be able to better understand the pathophysiology of anatomic structures.