Throughout the history of medical science, the sourcing, storage, and management of cadavers for the study of gross anatomy have been problematic issues. As presented in this report, a study of these issues was conducted in the departments of anatomy of medical schools in Nigeria. To establish the extent and depth of the prevailing difficulties in the sourcing of cadavers, 18 (62.1%) of the Departments of Anatomy that qualified for this study were used. In sum, 94.4% of these schools reported an inadequate number of cadavers for study. The estimated ages of the cadavers were between 20 and 40 years and 85% of the schools reported more than 75% of the cadavers to be from the lower socioeconomic class. Altogether, 94.4% of the schools reported a male dominance of more than 95%. More than 72% of the schools reported that more than 90% of the cadavers were criminals that had been killed by shooting, less than 10% were unclaimed and unidentified corpses, and 0% originated from body bequest. No form of screening exercises for diseases and infective microorganisms was noted for all the schools, and there were no set standards for the acceptance or rejection of cadavers. Causative factors for the profile of available cadavers such as culture and religion were noted. This study was designed to look at various issues associated with the sourcing of cadavers for Anatomy education in typical developing African countries like Nigeria. As outlined in this report, the creation of legislation and the promotion and funding of programs highlighting the importance of body donation are crucial for improving the field of medical education.

Background:A carefully performed facial analysis can serve as a strong foundation for successful facial reconstructive and plastic surgeries, rhinoplasty or orthodontics.Aim:The purpose of this study is to determine the facial features and qualities of the Igbo Nigerian adult male using photometry.Materials and Methods:One hundred and twenty subjects aged between 18 and 28 years were studied at the Anambra State University, Uli, Nigeria. The frontal and right lateral view photographs of their faces were taken and traced out on tracing papers. On these, two vertical distances, nasion to subnasal and subnasale to menton, and four angles, nasofrontal (NF), nasofacial, nasomental (NM) and mentocervical, were measured.Results:The result showed that the Igbo Nigerian adult male had a middle face that was shorter than the lower one (41.76% vs.58.24%), a moderate glabella (NF=133.97°), a projected nose (NM=38.68°) and a less prominent chin (NM=125.87°).Conclusion:This study is very important in medical practice as it can be used to compare the pre- and post-operative results of plastic surgery and other related surgeries of the face.

Objetivos: El presente estudio trata de examinar la relación entre la estatura y dimensiones cefálicas en la etnia Igbo de Nigeria y proponer un modelo de regresión para estimar la estatura cuando las dimensiones cefálicas están disponibles. Materiales y Métodos: 500 sujetos (261 varones y 239 mujeres) de edades comprendidas entre 18 y 30 años, que vive en Nnewi, Nigeria, participaron en el estudio. La estatura y tres dimensiones cefálicas (longitud cabeza, amplitud cabeza y circunferencia de la cabeza horizontal) se tomaron de cada individuo. La estatura se tomó como la altura en posición de pie, y se midió (en centímetros) usando un metro de altura. La longitud de la cabeza fue tomada como la distancia occipito-frontal, y se midió (en centímetros) con un calibre deslizable Mitsutoyo.  El tamaño de la cabeza fue tomada como la distancia máxima biparietal, y se midió (en centímetros) usando un calibre deslizante Mitsutoyo. Se midió la circunferencia horizontal de la cabeza (la distancia desde la glabela alrededor del cráneo de nuevo a la glabela) (en centímetros) usando una cinta métrica. Principales Resultados: Los resultados mostraron una correlación significativa de las dimensiones cefálicas con estatura en las mujeres (p<0,01). Para los varones, la circunferencia horizontal y la longitud de la cabezal tuvieron correlación significativa con la talla (p<0,05), mientras que la amplitud cabeza se correlacionó de manera insignificante (p>0,05). Las ecuaciones de regresión también se formularon para estimar la estatura de dimensiones cefálicas para sujetos masculinos y femeninos. Conclusión: El estudio mostró que la circunferencia horizontal y la amplitud de la cabeza es mejor predictor de la estatura que la longitud cefálica, y que las dimensiones cefálicas se puede utilizar para estimar la estatura. Objectives: The present study sought to examine the relationship between stature and cephalic dimensions in the Igbo ethnic group of Nigeria, and to propose a regression model for stature estimation when the cephalic dimensions are available. Materials and Methods: 500 subjects (261 males and 239 females) between the ages of 18 and 30, living in Nnewi, Nigeria, participated in the study. Stature and three cephalic dimensions (head length, head breadth and horizontal head circumference) were taken on each individual. Stature was taken as standing height, and was measured (in centimeters) using a height meter. Head length was taken as the occipito-frontal distance, and was measured (in centimeters) with Mitsutoyo sliding calipers. Head breadth was taken as the maximum biparietal distance, and was measured (in centimeters) using Mitsutoyo sliding calipers. Horizontal head circumference (the distance from the glabella around the cranium back to the glabella) was measured (in centimeters) using a metric tape. Main Results: The results showed significant correlation of cephalic dimensions with stature in the females (p<0.01). For the male subjects, horizontal head circumference and head length had significant correlation with stature (p<0.05) while head breadth was insignificantly correlated (p>0.05). Regression equations were also formulated for estimating stature from cephalic dimensions for the male and female subjects. Conclusion: The study showed that horizontal head circumference and head breadth were better predictors of stature than head length, and that the cephalic dimensions can be used to estimate stature.