INTRODUCTIONProficiency in the anatomy of coronary arteries and their variations is important for proper interpretation of coronary angiographies. The left coronary artery (LCA) commonly originates at the level of the left posterior aortic sinus and normally bifurcates into the anterior interventricular artery and circumflex artery. This study aimed to determine the variations in the LCA and its branches.

METHODSThe study was conducted on 30 heart specimens. We observed the origin, length and branching pattern of the LCA and its coronary dominance.

RESULTSWe found a short main LCA trunk in three specimens and a long main LCA trunk in one specimen. In two specimens, the division of the LCA led to three branches. With regard to 'dominance', one specimen showed left dominance while another showed codominance.

CONCLUSIONVariations of the LCA are clinically relevant, especially when a perioperative coronary perfusion or coronary arteriography is performed.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anatomy ; methods ; Cadaver ; Coronary Angiography ; methods ; Coronary Vessels ; anatomy & histology ; Heart ; anatomy & histology ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Models, Anatomic

Mind-body therapies (MBTs) such as mindfulness, yoga, qigong, tai chi, meditation, and many more have become very popular in the last few decades as useful tools to reduce stress and improve health. These methods are non- invasive and cost-effective. There are several reports that infer MBT can modulate the host immune system in many diseases. Although there are some discrepancies in the reported effects, the majority imply favourable effects of MBTs. This review summarizes the effects of MBTs in various chronic disease including cardiorespiratory conditions, metabolic diseases, cancer, HIV, gastrointestinal diseases, and depression. The results from most studies show that MBT reduced stress and anxiety; whilst improving sleep and overall quality of life. These observations were coupled with a decrease in cortisol level, an increase in glucocorticoid receptors, modulation of the autonomic nervous system, and changes in oxidative stress pathways, which may have resulted in improved immune functions. Furthermore, interactions between different parts of the brain such as the limbic system and hypothalamus upon exposure to MBTs can lead to reduced sympathetic nervous system outflow, which can improve the function of different organ systems resulting in the favourable host immunological responses observed in these studies.
Chronic Disease