Sexual dimorphism and sex estimation: Review in forensic odontology

Abstract

Sexual dimorphism traditionally refers to physical differences between males and females of a species. This variability is crucial for maintaining diverse phenotypic traits. In essence, sexual dimorphism reflects a complex interplay of genetic, gonadal, hormonal, and behavioral factors that shape the traits observed in males and females. Sex estimation involves determining whether skeletal remains belong to a male or female. This can be done through two primary approaches: nonmetric methods, which rely on visual inspection of skeletal features, and metric methods, which use equations based on measurements of skeletal dimensions. Because the degree of sexual dimorphism can differ significantly across populations, using population-specific equations generally yields more accurate results for metric sex estimation. Sex estimation by forensic odontologist can be done either by morphological analysis or by molecular analysis. A standardized method for documenting dental records is crucial for aiding in the identification of individuals following accidents or large-scale disasters. Furthermore, training specialized groups, forming interdisciplinary teams, and fostering international collaboration are essential components in the field of forensic medicine.

Keywords

• forensic odontology
• sex determination
• sexual dimorphism