Speaker: Noa B. Nuzov
Advisor: Prof. Shoffstall
Location: In person: Wikenden seminar room
Abstract: The human skeleton is remarkably conserved across people - you have more similarities than differences compared to the person sitting next to you. However, our peripheral nerve pathways demonstrate significant interpersonal diversity. Characterization of normal anatomical variation is necessary to formulate standard surgical procedures for the implantation of devices that stimulate peripheral nerves. Among the various peripheral nerves, the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) is significant since it modulates the activity of many vital organs via its parasympathetic fibers while simultaneously relaying sensory feedback to the brainstem. Published studies investigating vagal nerve anatomy have revealed frequent differences in the location of the main trunk and its branches. To objectively and precisely quantify the location and branching of the vagus, we developed a novel methodology utilizing optical 3D tracking of a stylus in physical space. This technique enables tracing the trajectory of the vagus nerve and its branches relative to other key anatomical structures, from brainstem to abdomen, in dissected human cadavers. In this manner, individual-specific 3D datasets defining the pathways of the vagus nerve can be created. These models can be used to rapidly digitize the pathways of the vagus nerve, quantify the branching patterns, and compare variations across people to identify consistent targets for neuromodulation.
Warning: There will be photos of human cadaveric dissections.