Histomorphometric Profile of the Human Sural Nerve: Evaluating Nerve Fiber Density and Aging Alterations

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 257–268

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000189

Article Type: Original Research Article

Title: Histomorphometric Profile of the Human Sural Nerve: Evaluating Nerve Fiber Density and Aging Alterations

Names of Authors: Ananth R. Subramanian¹, Meenakshi S. Sundaram²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Anatomy, Madras Medical College, Chennai, India; ²Department of Physiology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India

Abstract:
The sural nerve is frequently utilized for autologous nerve grafting and diagnostic biopsies, making baseline population data on its fiber microarchitecture crucial. This study analyzed the histomorphometric profile and age-related changes in the human sural nerve. Sural nerve specimens were harvested from 36 post-mortem donors, categorized into a Young cohort (aged 18 to 35 years, n = 18) and an Elderly cohort (aged 60 to 78 years, n = 18). Cross-sections were processed, embedded in araldite, stained with Toluidine Blue, and evaluated using digital image software. The young cohort demonstrated an average total fascicular area of 0.84 ± 0.11 mm², containing a mean myelinated nerve fiber density of 8450 ± 620 fibers/mm². In contrast, the elderly cohort exhibited a significant reduction in fiber density (5620 ± 410 fibers/mm², p < 0.001), indicating a loss of myelinated axons over time. The thickness of the myelin sheath decreased significantly by 26.4% in the older group (p < 0.01), with a corresponding increase in the g-ratio from 0.62 ± 0.03 to 0.71 ± 0.04. Furthermore, endoneurial connective tissue area expanded by 35.8% in elderly specimens, pointing to age-dependent interstitial fibrosis. These quantitative data define distinct structural declines in axonal preservation, providing critical reference points for peripheral neuropathology diagnostics and reconstructive nerve surgeries.

Keywords: Sural Nerve, Histomorphometry, Myelinated Axons, Myelin Sheath, Aging, Post-Mortem

Manuscript Timeline: Received: July 20, 2026; Revised: August 27, 2026; Accepted: September 10, 2026; Published: September 25, 2026

Citation: Subramanian A.R., & Sundaram M.S. (2026). Histomorphometric Profile of the Human Sural Nerve: Evaluating Nerve Fiber Density and Aging Alterations. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology, 15(9), 257–268. DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000189

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