Anomaly and Norm

The Adaptability of Life Between Anatomy and Biology

Situs inversus

Situs inversus is a rare anatomical condition (affecting less than 1 in 10,000 people) in which the internal organs of the body are arranged in a mirror image of their normal positions. Organs that are ticapally found on the right side of the body, such as the liver, are instead located on the left, while those usually on the left, like the heart, are situated on the right. This condition can be complete, involving all internal organs, or partial, affecting only some of them. Situs inversus itself does not cause symptoms, and many people with this condition live normal lives without ever realizing it, unless it is discovered through medical examinations.

The presented case shows a complete inversion of the organs with dextrocardia and was preserved by Prof. Augusto Bonome in 1915 for educational purposes. Recent analyses conducted by researchers at the University of Padua revealed a defect in the septum between the two ventricles, which allowed communication between them, although this was not the cause of death.

Morgagni Museum of Anatomy, Pathological Anatomy Section – University of Padua