Microsurgical Anatomical Atlas of the Cranium and Brain

Author: Shi Xiang'en
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: This book is based on neurosurgical approaches and provides microscopic anatomy of fresh cranial specimens, offering a direct and realistic reference for microscopic neurosurgery. It includes the following structures: skull, cerebral surface, lateral sulcus, ventricular system, tentorium cerebelli, cisterna magna, cavernous sinus, posterior part of the third ventricle, posterior fossa, occipito-cervical junction, and orbital structures.
In August 1998, after studying at the AL. Rhoton Jr. Neuroanatomical Laboratory of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida in the United States and returning to China, I published a book titled Microsurgical Neuroanatomical Atlas under the guidance and assistance of my mentor, Academician Wang Zhongcheng. Although the book provided some help to neurosurgeons at the time, it is now evident that due to the urgency of the situation and the demands of my work, the book was not perfect in terms of image layout and textual expression.
During my time at the University of Florida, I conducted some research on brain microscopic anatomy in line with clinical needs. Some microscopic anatomical images of the penetrating arteries of the floor of the third ventricle and the venous complex of the posterior part of the third ventricle were selected by neurosurgeons in North America as teaching materials for anatomical training and were published in the special issues of the Journal of Neurosurgery in 2000 and 2001. The University of Florida Department of Neurosurgery has retained these images as part of its surgical anatomical atlas. In clinical surgical practice, these brain microscopic anatomical images are frequently reviewed, and each time they provide inspiration for clinical work and surgical techniques. Many colleagues have often mentioned in clinical practice that the understanding and application of microscopic anatomy by neurosurgeons directly relate to the level of clinical surgery and treatment outcomes.
From the training and career development of neurosurgeons in some developed countries in North America and Europe, microscopic neurosurgical anatomy is a crucial component, and such research often spans their entire clinical neurosurgical career. Fundamentally, as an outstanding neurosurgeon, one cannot be without training in microscopic anatomical techniques and learning theoretical knowledge of microscopic anatomy. In fact, one can compare anatomical knowledge with clinical surgery as the sun and the planet—indissociable (Anatomy is to the surgeon as the sun is to our planet. Anatomy gives us the life-sustaining knowledge to traverse the intricate pathways through the brain).
In recent years, some neurosurgical centers in China have also carried out research on microscopic neurosurgery anatomy and established microscopic anatomical laboratories. This work is bound to have a significant impact on the development and advancement of neurosurgery in China. To facilitate clinical learning and microscopic anatomical research in neurosurgery, I have compiled the microscopic anatomical images I created abroad into a book for everyone’s reference. I hope it can serve as a stepping stone for further exploration and contribute to the advancement of neurosurgical technology and microscopic anatomical research in China.
Microscopic neurosurgical anatomical research is based on clinical microscopic surgery, studying how to expose intracranial lesions while protecting neural structures and functions. It particularly focuses on using the brain’s gyri, sulci, and neurovascular spaces to reveal important microscopic structures and nuclear groups, as well as the protection of penetrating arteries within these small structures. Currently, microscopic neurosurgical anatomical research is progressing rapidly, with numerous related papers published annually, and many doctors have achieved deep expertise in this field. Due to my limited capabilities, this book may contain errors and shortcomings, and I sincerely hope everyone will point them out.
Considering the complexity of current anatomical terminology for brain structures, to facilitate learning and align with international standards, the corresponding anatomical structures and terms in both Chinese and English are based on the widely recognized Gray’s Anatomy (38th Edition, June 1999). Due to my busy clinical work, much of the work in this book was greatly supported by Professor Sun Wei of the Department of Neurosurgery at the Second Hospital of Shandong University, who devoted significant time and effort to it. I would also like to express my gratitude to Director Wang Weixing of the Department of Neurosurgery at Chengde Medical College Affiliated Hospital, Chief Physician Zhang Yuqi of the Department of Neurosurgery at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, and Dr. Hao Xiaoguang of the Second Hospital of Shandong University for their assistance during the editing process.
At this time, I am also deeply grateful to my mentor, Academician Wang Zhongcheng, for his teachings and selfless care in the field of neurosurgery over the past decade. Although we are not working together now, the outstanding moral character and exquisite medical skills of my teacher constantly inspire me, helping me maintain a rigorous work ethic and strive to be the best neurosurgeon throughout my career.
Shi Xiang'en
Beijing Sanbo Revival Brain Hospital
November 15, 2004
This book includes: anatomical dissection of the skull, anatomical dissection of the cerebral surface, lateral sulcus and basal ganglia structures, anatomical dissection of the ventricular system, anatomical structures of the temporal lobe and hippocampus, etc.