The Study of Cephalic Phenotype based on Cephalic Index in Medical Students from Southern Parts of India

Abstract

Cephalic Index (C.I.) or cranial index is used anthropologically to find out racial difference from the cephalic phenotype (shape of the skull). This study was conducted to bring out the significance of anthropometric indices in forensic medicine for determination of identity of an individual. In the present study, 305 (142 males and 163 females) medical under graduate students studying in Aarupadai Veedu Medical College, Puducherry, who were born and brought up in Southern Parts of India (Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh) were measured for maximum head length, maximum head breadth and C.I. The mean C.I. for the study population was 79.20, mean C.I. for male was 78.72 and mean C.I. for female was 79.68. The predominant cephalic phenotype based on C.I. in the studied population was Mesocephalic (36.4%).