A cephalometric comparison of skulls from the fourteenth, sixteenth and twentieth centuries

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate changes in the size and shape of the skull and jaws in British populations between the thirteenth and twentieth centuries. Method Lateral cephalometric radiograms were obtained from skulls of three groups of subjects: 30 skulls were from the remains of those who died in the London Black Death epidemic of 1348, 54 skulls were recovered from the wreck of the Mary Rose which sank in 1545 and 31 skulls were representative of modern cephalometric values. Results Horizontal measurements in the base of the anterior cranial fossa and in the maxillary complex were greater in the modern group than in the medieval skulls. Cranial vault measurements were significantly higher (P = 0.000) in the twentieth century skulls, especially in the anterior cranial fossa. Conclusion Results suggest that our medieval ancestors had more prominent faces and smaller cranial vaults than modern man.

Changes in intracranial volume and cranial shape in modern Koreans over four decades

“…Numerous studies have been carried out to determine the secular changes in cranial morphology. The process of brachycephalization, increasing value of cranial or cephalic index, had been observed since the 14th century among European populations (Buretic‐Tomljanovic et al, ; Rock, Sabieha, & Evans, ). Since the beginning of 21st century, the increase in cranial length has not been accompanied by increase in cranial breadth, known as debrachycephalization (Bodzsaŕ and Susanne, ; Gyenis, ).…”

The Jaw Epidemic: Recognition, Origins, Cures, and Prevention

“…It was not until agriculture and then, especially, industrialized food processing created the environment in which correct oral posture was often compromised that many human jaws underwent rapid shrinkage (Goose and Parry 1974 , Frake and Goose 1977 , Kaifu 1997 , Rock et al 2006 , Rose and Roblee 2009 ). Agriculture and industrialization encouraged a more sedentary lifestyle, moving indoors, where ventilation rates are low and allergens are concentrated (Bornehag et al 2005 ).…”