Sexual dimorphism of palmar dermatoglyphic parameters of an adult student population in Nigeria

Abstract

Context: Dermatoglyphics is the scientific study of the epidermal ridges and their configurations on the surfaces of the palms, fingers, soles of the feet and the toes. Aims: The aim of the study was to determine whether there exists any sexual dimorphism in A-B ridge count (ABRC) and ATD angle. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: Four hundred individuals (200 males and 200 females) were studied. Age range was 18–30 years. Palm prints were captured using a Deskjet scanner. Dermatoglyphic parameters were measured manually. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics and Student's t-test. Results: The mean values of ABRC in males were 42.08 ± 3.84 (right palm) and 41.94 ± 4.39 (left palm), while the ABRCs in females were 42.46 ± 4.40 (right palm) and 41.97 ± 3.46 (left palm). The mean ATD angles in males were 43.07 ± 4.99 (right palm) and 43.99 ± 4.77 (left palm), while the mean ATD angles in females were 43.91 ± 5.11 (right palms) and 44.05 ± 5.12 (left palms). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean values of both parameters in both sexes and in both palms. Conclusion: There was no sexual dimorphism in the values of ABRC and ATD angles, and therefore, these parameters cannot be used to infer gender in our environment.