Principle of relative positioning of structures in the human body

作     者：Buliang Meng Ailan Pang Ming Li 

作者机构：Department of Human Anatomy Histology and Embryology Kunming Medical University Department of NeurologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University 

出 版 物：《Neural Regeneration Research》 (中国神经再生研究（英文版）)

年 卷 期：2013年第8卷第9期

页      面：853-856页

核心收录：

学科分类：1001[医学-基础医学(可授医学、理学学位)] 100101[医学-人体解剖与组织胚胎学] 10[医学] 

主　　题：neural regeneration reviews principle position anatomy human embryology histology neuroregeneration 

摘      要：The arrangement of various biological structures should generally ensure the safety of crucial structures and increase their working efficiency; however, other principles governing the relative positions of structures in humans have not been reported. The present study therefore investigated other principles using nerves and their companion vessels in the human body as an example. Nerves and blood vessels usually travel together and in the most direct way towards their targets. Human embryology, histology, and gross anatomy suggest that there are many possible positions for these structures during development. However, for mechanical reasons, tougher or stronger structures should take priority. Nerves are tougher than most other structures, followed by arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels. Nerves should therefore follow the most direct route, and be followed by the arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels. This general principle should be applicable to all living things.