Sex Determination From Foramen Magnum Measurements – An Autopsy Based Study in North Kerala Population

Abstract

Establishing identity from fragmented skeletal remains is difficult when compared to other techniques available. In cases like natural disasters, bomb explosions etc. where only few fragmented remains of the body are present, then forensic anthropology can be used to establish the identity. Even though determination of sex from skull is possible, if skull fragments are only available then the importance of foramen magnum for determination of sex comes into consideration if occipital bone is present. The current study was done to find the possibility of sex determination in North Kerala population using the measurements of foramen magnum. The sagittal and transverse diameters of foramen magnum were measured using digital Vernier callipers and the values were analysed and was found that sagittal diameter of foramen magnum can be used to differentiate the sex in the present study and that the sex of an individual cannot be determined based on transverse diameter of Foramen Magnum in the given population.