Division of neuromuscular compartments and localization of the center of the highest region of muscle spindles abundance in deep cervical muscles based on Sihler’s staining
Objective: To investigate the neuromuscular compartments and identify the center of the highest region of muscle spindles abundance in deep cervical muscles. Methodology: Utilization of Sihler's staining technique for detailed visualization and mapping of muscle spindles in the cervical musculature of 33 patients. we collected deep cervical muscle samples from 33 patients and utilized Sihler's staining technique to render the muscles transparent, highlighting neural elements for detailed examination. The stained specimens were analyzed to identify and map the distribution of muscle spindles within the deep cervical musculature. We found distinct neuromuscular compartments within the muscles, particularly in the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and trapezius (TPZ). Results: Data were collected from 33 patients. Middle third of the SCM muscle exhibits the highest density of motor endplates, averaging 12 ± 3 per square centimeter, suggesting its role in fine motor control. The upper third of the SCM has a moderate density with 6 ± 2 motor endplates/cm², while the lower third shows the lowest density at 4 ± 1 motor endplates/cm². In the TPZ muscle, the middle region also has the highest motor endplate density at 10 ± 2 per square centimeter, followed by the upper region with 8 ± 2, and the lower region with 5 ± 1 motor endplates/cm², indicating a similar pattern of neuromuscular organization. Conclusion: It is concluded that the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and trapezius (TPZ) muscles exhibit distinct neuromuscular compartmentalization and muscle spindle distribution, with the middle third of the SCM showing the highest density of spindles, crucial for fine motor control and proprioception.
View PDF
