Anatomical features of connective tissue fixation of nerves using a single case as an example: a study using the method of dissection of the ulnar and median nerves

Vladimir N. Nikolenko; Николенко Владимир Николаевич; Leila A. Edilgireeva; Эдильгиреева Лейла Арбиевна; Ekaterina A. Dianova; Дианова Екатерина Андреевна; Vasilisa A. Barinova; Баринова Василиса Алексеевна; Nikita A. Maltsev; Мальцев Никита Александрович; Anna A. Sergeeva; Сергеева Анна Александровна; Valeriya M. Stroilova; Строилова Валерия Михайловна; Leonid A. Gridin; Гридин Леонид Александрович

doi:10.17816/morph.685426

Anatomical features of connective tissue fixation of nerves using a single case as an example: a study using the method of dissection of the ulnar and median nerves

Authors: Nikolenko V.N.¹^,2, Edilgireeva L.A.¹, Dianova E.A.¹, Barinova V.A.¹, Maltsev N.A.¹, Sergeeva A.A.¹, Stroilova V.M.¹, Gridin L.A.³
Affiliations:
1. FSAEI HE I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
2. FSBEI HE Lomonosov Moscow State University
3. Moscow Center for Health Problems under the Moscow Government
Section: Original Study Articles
Submitted: 20.06.2025
Accepted: 09.12.2025
Published: 21.03.2026
URL: https://j-morphology.com/1026-3543/article/view/685426
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17816/morph.685426
ID: 685426

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerves have a complex fixation system to surrounding tissues, including connective tissue bridges, fascial sheaths, and bone-ligamentous canals. These structures allow for maintaining a stable position and preventing excessive displacement. Differences in nerve fixation methods may explain their varying susceptibility to compressive effects.

AIM: To study the morphological features of peripheral nerve fixation, including connective tissue structures and their topographic relationships.

METHODS: A single-center observational anatomical study of peripheral nerve of the free upper limb. The study material consisted of ulnar and median nerves. The work was performed on fixed cadaveric material using the dissection method in the period November 2024 – May 2025. Macrophotographs of dissected cadaveric materials were taken, followed by processing in the graphic editor Figma Design. All structures are signed according to the Paris anatomic nomenclature (PNA).

RESULTS: The study revealed fibrous bridges near the elbow joint in the median nerve, attaching to the superficial fascia of the arm and forearm. The ulnar nerve in the examined area passed through a longer, dense fibrous canal (canalis cubitalis), formed by a thickening of the own fascia. The obtained data expand current understanding of peripheral nerve fixation.

CONCLUSION: Despite differences in the length of connective tissue structures, the observed variations in fixations provide stabilization of the nerve trunks. However, differences in the frequency of compressive effects are associated with variations in the lumen of canals and bridges during upper limb movement.

Keywords

Ulnar nerve, median nerve, dissection, nerve compassion syndromes

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Funding source. This study was not supported by any external sources of funding.

Patients’ consent. Written consent was obtained from all the study participants before the study screening in according to the study protocol approved by the local ethic committee.

Competing interests. The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Author contribution: V.N. Nikolenko – scientific supervisor of the study, concept and design of the study, writing and editing of the article; V.A. Parfenov – concept and design of the study, writing and editing of the article; L.A. Gridin – concept and design of the study; L. A. Edilgireeva – collection and processing of the material; V.A. Barinova – collection and processing A.A. Sergeeva – collection and processing of the material; V.M. Stroilova – collection and processing of the material; N.A. Maltsev – collection and processing of the material, editing the article, processing macrophotographs in the editor; E.A. Dianova – collection and analysis of literary sources, writing the text and editing the article. All authors confirm that their authorship meets the international ICMJE criteria (all authors have made a significant contribution to the development of the concept, research and preparation of the article, read and approved the final version before publication).

About the authors

Vladimir N. Nikolenko

FSAEI HE I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University); FSBEI HE Lomonosov Moscow State University

Email: vn.nikolenko@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-9532-9957
SPIN-code: 8257-9084
Scopus Author ID: 14016274500
ResearcherId: N-7271-2014

M.D., D. Sc. (Medicine), Professor, Head of the Human Anatomy and Histology Department, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University; Head of the Normal and Topographic Anatomy Department, Basic Medicine Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University

Russian Federation, Mokhovaya str. 8-2, 125009, Moscow, Russia

Leila A. Edilgireeva

FSAEI HE I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)

Email: snickers_192000@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-6067-8962
SPIN-code: 9623-4500

Postgraduate at the Department of Nervous Diseases and Neurosurgery

Russian Federation, Russia, Moscow, st. Rossolimo, 11 bldg. 1

M.D., D. Sc. (Medicine), Professor, Deputy General Director of Moscow Center for Health Problems under the Moscow Government

Russian Federation, Russia, Moscow, Zhitnaya str., 14/3

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