Sex determination using Ramus Breadth and Bigonial Width of Mandible

Abstract

The aim of the study is to determine the sex of unknown human adult mandible using minimum and maximum ramus breadth and bigonial width of mandible. The objective of the study is to get basic details about the individual from landmarks of mandible for identification. Dry, undamaged mandibles were collected from the Anatomy department, Saveetha Dental College. The distance between the gonia and the maximum and minimum ramus breadth are noted. The accuracy of ramus breadth as a parameter for sex determination was found to be 82.9% and that of bigonial width 89%. In general, the parameters are greater in males than in females. Skeletal characteristics are distinct among males and females, especially mandible. Mandible is also the hardest and the most durable bone. Thus it can act as a reliable material for determination of gender of an individual from human skeletal remains. This unique feature is widely used in forensic anthropology and archeology.