Morphometry of the Crania and the Cranial Capacity in Dry Human Skull Bones- A Descriptive Analytical Study

Abstract

Introduction: The crania constitute the skull bones that are held together by sutures which determines the brain size and an individual’s mental ability. The present study would help the forensic anthropologist differentiate sex and predict brain development by measuring the cranial capacity of an unknown skull. Aim: To determine the cranial morphometry and the endocranial capacity in dry human skull bones. Materials and Methods: This descriptive analytical study included 100 adult male and female dry human skull bones, procured from the Department of Anatomy, Annapoorana Medical College and Hospitals, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India, from July 2021 to December 2021. The linear parameters like cranial length and breadth were measured using a spreading caliper, and cranial height was measured using an anthropometric rod. The cranial volume was measured by direct and calculated methods. Using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25.0, the data obtained were analysed and a descriptive statistical analysis was done. The significance of parameters of male and female skulls was compared using the unpaired Student ‘t’ test and Pearson’s correlation test. Results: The cranial length, cranial capacity, and cephalic index showed statistically significant (p<0.05) differences between male and female skulls. The mean cranial length in male and female skulls were 174.11±7.07 mm, 168.84±9.36 mm, respectively, whereas the mean cranial breadth were 131.61±7.52 mm, 130.14±8.99 mm, respectively and the mean cranial height were found to be 126.53±6.59 mm, 125.12±8.17 mm, respectively. Using the direct method, the mean cranial capacity in male and female skulls was 1246.67±116.60 cc, 1191.63±83.23 cc, respectively. The mean cranial capacity in male and female skulls was found to be 1300.91±112.35 cc and 1245.51±79.93 cc, respectively obtained using the calculated method. Conclusion: The cranial capacity in the male skulls was significantly greater than the female skulls. This knowledge would help the anthropologists and forensic experts to use the anthropological examination in medicolegal cases to determine the sex, stature, and cranial capacity to expose the growth and development of the brain of an unknown individual.

Keywords

• anthropology
• cephalic index
• intelligence
• microcephalic
• sexual dimorphism
• skull phenotype