Variety (anatomy)

In anatomy, a variety refers to deviations from the norm in the construction, size and shape of organs. In contrast to malformations and abnormalities , varieties are not associated with functional limitations or clinical manifestations, although the delimitation is not always consistent. Thus, a cervical rib , which is an example of an accessory bone, is considered a variety but can clinically lead to cervical rib syndrome. There may also be varieties that, like a sixth finger or a sixth toe ( hexadactyly ), occasionally appear individually, but sometimes also express an underlying genetic defect and complex syndrome .

There can be varieties or standard variants in all organs and structures; they are common in the branching pattern of blood vessels and nerves.

On the other hand, the information on frequency fluctuates strongly, which may be due to the population examined, but may also be due to a distorted perception if, for example, conclusions are drawn about the population from a case collection in a clinic. The frequency for a disc meniscus is given as 0.4 - 17%.

literature

• Walther Graumann: Compact textbook anatomy. 1. General anatomy . Schattauer Verlag, 2003, ISBN 9783794520619 , p. 14.
• Karl Zilles, Bernhard Tillmann : Anatomy . Springer 2010, ISBN 9783540694816 , p. 2.