A study on morphometry of cranium and its index in dry human skulls of north India

Abstract

Cranial indices, derived from skull measurements, are fundamental tools in cranial anthropometry. Establishing standard values for these indices is crucial for anatomists and craniofacial surgeons performing cranial reconstructions. This study aimed to establish baseline data on cranial morphology and calculate cranial indices. One hundred dry skulls of unknown sex were measured in the Department of Anatomy at Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, Dehradun. Cranial length and breadth were measured, and the cranial index was calculated. Cranial types were also classified. The mean cranial length was 190.90 mm, with a mean breadth of 139.40 mm. The cranial index was 73.03. Mesocranic (48%) and dolichocranic (42%) skulls were the most prevalent, while brachycranic (8%) and hyper-brachycranic (2%) skulls were less common. This study provides baseline data on cranial morphometry in an unknown population sample. The results suggest a predominance of mesocranic and dolichocranic head shapes.