Morphometric Study of Supra-meatal Triangle and Mastoid process in the Adult dry Skulls

Abstract

Introduction: This study was done with an objective to do a craniometric study of supra meatal triangle and mastoid process to explore the variations as a determinant to sex. Methodology: A total of 47 skull bones formed our study sample which comprised of 31 males and 16 females Six landmarks were identifi ed on each side of the skulland measurements were taken using Digital Vernier caliper with precision of 0.01. Observations and Results: The area of supra-meatal triangle in male was 134.68± 21.69 mm3 on the right side and 134.17± 16.98 mm3 on the left side. In females the area of supra-meatal triangle was 114.82± 21.99 mm3 on right side and 122.46± 24.05 mm3 on the left side. In male skulls, the length, breadth and width of the mastoid process on the right side was 23.56 ± 2.88, 19.81 ± 2.49 and 11.46 ± 2.51 mm and the left side measurements were 23.33 ± 2.17, 18.93 ± 1.91 and 10.84 ± 2.39mm respectively. In females the length, breath and width of mastoid were 23.03 ± 2.94, 18.87 ± 2.42 and 10.03 ± 2.32 mm on right side and 22.06 ± 1.99, 17.85± 2.22 and 9.43 ± 1.89 mm in left side respectively. conclusion: In this present study the supra meatal triangle and all measurements of mastoid process were greater in males with the mastoid breadth and width showed statistically signifi cant values. The fi ndings can be applied to unknown skull samples or bone fragmentsand can provide insight to future studies of forensic anthropologists and ENT surgeons.