Abstract
Background: It is observed that the morphologic and morphometric variability of the occipital bone structures may coexist in the same individual or among different subjects of the same or different populations and thus, a sound knowledge of the morphometry of this area can provide important benefits in determining safe surgical zones during surgical procedures.
 Aim: The present study was aimed at measuring the length (right and left) and width (right and left) of the hypoglossal canal among adult dry skulls of two states in southern Nigeria.
 Materials and Method: This study adopted the cross sectional study design. A total of eighty (80) hypoglossal canal; right and left were selected by simple random sampling and their length and width were measured with the aid of the digital vernier caliper.
 Results: The hypoglossal canal length on the right side was seen to be higher compared to the left length of the hypoglossal canal while the right hypoglossal canal width was seen to be higher compared to the left hypoglossal canal width and also observed differences between the right and left sides were statistically significant (P=0.01).
 Conclusion: There was a statistical significant difference with regard to hypoglossal canal length (right and left) and width (right and left) among the studied population.
 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(4) 2020 p.670-672
Highlights
Variation is one of the most important phenomena occurring in humans and it is attributed to many factors and the morphologic and morphometric variability of the occipital bone structures may coexist in the same individual or among different subjects of the same or different populations, as a result of genetic and heritable epigenetic interactions
Result depicts the mean hypoglossal canal length and width on both sides to be 12.35+2.60 and 14.24+3.74 for the right side and 12.57+2.70 and 10.56+2.03 for the left side respectively with hypoglossal canal length having larger values on the left side compared to the right side and with hypoglossal canal width having larger values on the right compared to the left side
This study has investigated on the hypoglossal canal of occipital bone in dry skulls of two states in southern Nigeria and has obtained mean values of the hypoglossal canal length and width on both sides for the studied skulls
Summary
Variation is one of the most important phenomena occurring in humans and it is attributed to many factors and the morphologic and morphometric variability of the occipital bone structures may coexist in the same individual or among different subjects of the same or different populations, as a result of genetic and heritable epigenetic interactions. [1] The variations observed may be regarded as part of a pathological process such as (tumors, aneurysms, congenital or acquired malformations and trauma) [2] and their surgical approach is technically demanding and requires a good understanding of anatomy. [3] The hypoglossal canal is surrounded by cortical bone and transmits hypoglossal nerve, meningeal branch of ascending pharyngeal artery and an emissary vein from the basilar plexus internally to internal jugular vein externally [4] and knowing the precise location of the hypoglossal canal is important in understanding the spatial relationships of surrounding structures and in the resection of tumors lying close to or within the canal itself. Variation is one of the most important phenomena occurring in humans and it is attributed to many factors and the morphologic and morphometric variability of the occipital bone structures may coexist in the same individual or among different subjects of the same or different populations, as a result of genetic and heritable epigenetic interactions. Aim: The present study was aimed at measuring the length (right and left) and width (right and left) of the hypoglossal canal among adult dry skulls of two states in southern Nigeria. Conclusion: There was a statistical significant difference with regard to hypoglossal canal length (right and left) and width (right and left) among the studied population.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
