Adult Human Skulls Research Articles

Zygomaticofacial foramen in dry adult human skulls: a morphological study.

A wide range of medical procedures in the zygomatic region in maxillofacial surgery, implantology, and aesthetic medicine requires a detailed study of the zygomaticofacial foramen (ZFF) due to the high risk of damage to its contents during manipulation.This study aimed to estimate the shape, diameter, and location of ZFF and their relationships with anatomical landmarks. A studywas conductedon 53 dry adult human skulls. Standard morphometric measurementswere takenusing sliding calipers.The number, diameter, shape, and location of ZFF were notedon both sides, andthe distances between the ZFF and surrounding anatomical landmarks were measured.Conventional statistical methods were usedto evaluate the data. Out of 106 sides, no ZFFwas noticedin 2.8%, one foramen was found in 40.6%, two foramina were found in 39.6%, threein 10.4%, four in 4.7%, andfive in 1.9%. The vertical diameter was 0.98 ± 0.35 mm, while the transverse diameter was 0.87 ± 0.31 mm. The shape of the ZFF was oval in 67%, round in 26.2%, semilunar in 4.9%, and irregular in 1.9%. The distance from the ZFF to the infraorbital margin was 6.63 ± 2.09 mm, tothe frontozygomatic suture was 26.24 ± 3.49 mm, tothe zygomaticomaxillarysuture,was 19.75 ± 3.55 mm, tothe zygomaticotemporal suture was 22.31 ± 3.98 mm and, to the most prominent point of the zygomatic bone was 8.03 ± 2.64 mm. The variations in the number and location of ZFF mustbe consideredwhile performing regional blockanesthesia,and surgical or aesthetic procedures in the zygomatic region.

Morphometry of the Foramen Ovale in Adult Human Skulls from a Clinical Perspective.

The foramen ovale is present in the posterior part of the greater wing of sphenoid. A trauma or space-occupying lesion in this area would result in clinical manifestations due to compression of the structures passing through it. This study was undertaken because of the clinical significance of the foramen ovale in radiological and neurological procedures. The aim is to study the morphometry of the foramen ovale and its bilateral variations. Fifty adult dry human skulls of unknown age and sex were studied. The shape of the foramen ovale (FO), presence of accessory foramina or abnormal bony outgrowths, if any, were noted. Maximum length and width of FO were measured. The foramen ovale was present bilaterally in all 50 skulls. Accessory foramen was present in 17 (34%) and 13 (26%) skulls on the right and left side, respectively. Bony out growths were present in 9 (18%) and 15 (30%) skulls on the right and the left side, respectively. Understanding the exact topography, morphometry and variations of the FO is required to enable the clinician to correctly interpret radiographs and help in planning the surgical procedures. The findings presented here should be taken into account when neurological procedures of the middle cranial fossa are performed.

Variations in foramen ovale in Adult human skulls of North Indian Population

Variations in foramen ovale in Adult human skulls of North Indian Population

Functional ultrasound imaging of human brain activity through an acoustically transparent cranial window.

Visualization of human brain activity is crucial for understanding normal and aberrant brain function. Currently available neural activity recording methods are highly invasive, have low sensitivity, and cannot be conducted outside of an operating room. Functional ultrasound imaging (fUSI) is an emerging technique that offers sensitive, large-scale, high-resolution neural imaging; however, fUSI cannot be performed through the adult human skull. Here, we used a polymeric skull replacement material to create an acoustic window compatible with fUSI to monitor adult human brain activity in a single individual. Using an in vitro cerebrovascular phantom to mimic brain vasculature and an in vivo rodent cranial defect model, first, we evaluated the fUSI signal intensity and signal-to-noise ratio through polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cranial implants of different thicknesses or a titanium mesh implant. We found that rat brain neural activity could be recorded with high sensitivity through a PMMA implant using a dedicated fUSI pulse sequence. We then designed a custom ultrasound-transparent cranial window implant for an adult patient undergoing reconstructive skull surgery after traumatic brain injury. We showed that fUSI could record brain activity in an awake human outside of the operating room. In a video game "connect the dots" task, we demonstrated mapping and decoding of task-modulated cortical activity in this individual. In a guitar-strumming task, we mapped additional task-specific cortical responses. Our proof-of-principle study shows that fUSI can be used as a high-resolution (200 μm) functional imaging modality for measuring adult human brain activity through an acoustically transparent cranial window.

COMPLETE AND INCOMPLETE BONY BRIDGES NEAR FORAMEN OVALE WITH POTENTIAL SURGICAL AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Objectives: Pterygospinous or Pterygoalar ligaments may pose mandibular nerve compression by when present near foramen ovale. The presence of ossified pterygospinous or pterygoalar ligaments might cause trouble to surgeons in performing percutaneous rhizotomy for trigeminal neuralgia, electroencephalographic procedures, or taking biopsy from cavernous sinus tumors. The present study aims to find the incidence and specific morphological variations related to the ossification of pterygospinous and pterygoalar ligaments. Methods: The study was conducted on 200 dried adult human cadaveric skull of unknown age and sex in the department of Anatomy, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur. Skulls were obtained from different medical colleges of the Rajasthan region. The study included fully dried, intact, adult human skull bones with no structural defects. Damaged, fractured, skull with the developmental anomaly, injured or pathologically malformed skull especially at or near the foramen ovale on either side were excluded from the study. Ossification of pterygospinous and pterygoalar bar was studied on both sides. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Version 26 software. Results: Ossified ligaments were studied in 400 sides of 200 skulls. The ossification of pterygospinous bar was observed in 53 cases (13.25%). The pterygospinous bar was complete in twelve (3%) cases and incomplete in 41 cases (10.25%). The ossified pterygoalar ligament was observed in 62 cases (15.5%). Ossification was complete in 15 cases (3.75%) and incomplete in 47 cases (11.75%). Conclusion: Ossification of pterygospinous and pterygoalar bars was observed in skulls obtained from medical colleges in the Rajasthan region. Knowledge of such morphological variations of the skull base will improve the therapeutic outcomes in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Determination of Sexual Dimorphism from Foramen Magnum in an Eastern Indian Population

Human identification is an important arena of forensic investigation, it includes sex determination which becomes extremely difficult in fragmented skeletal remains. Skull dimensions are measured for the purpose of sexual dimorphism which vary in different populations. In this study, we attempted to analyse the measurements from adult human skulls and employ discriminant function to predict sex accurately. A manual vernier calliper was used to measure the antero-posterior (AP) diameter and transverse diameter of foramen magnum of 88 skulls (49 males, 39 females) from the collection housed at the department of Anatomy, RG KAR medical college and Calcutta medical college. The Wilk's lambda for the model is 0.795. The discriminant function equation is, Df= 3.342× (APdiameter of foramen magnum) +0.725× (Transverse diameter of foramen magnum) -13.641(constant). The cut-off point is 0.505. So above this value 0.505, the cases are male and below it, the cases are female. On comparing the measurements, we found that antero-posterior dimensions and transverse dimensions of foramen magnum were greater in males than females. Collectively, all the results indicate that dimensions of foramen magnum can be used as a moderate indicator for sex determination in regional populations.

Template-based target point localization for occlusion of the middle meningeal artery during evacuation of space-occupying chronic subdural hematoma.

Endovascular middle meningeal artery (MMA) occlusion may help reduce the risk of recurrence after burr hole evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) but carries an additional periprocedural risk and remains hampered by logistical and financial requirements. In this study, the authors aimed to describe a simple and fast technique for preoperative MMA localization to permit burr hole cSDH evacuation and MMA occlusion through the same burr hole. The authors performed a preclinical anatomical and prospective clinical study, followed by a retrospective feasibility analysis. An anatomical cadaver study with 33 adult human skulls (66 hemispheres) was used to localize a suitable frontal target point above the pterion, where the MMA can be accessed via burr hole trephination. Based on anatomical landmark measurements, the authors designed a template for projected localization of this target point onto the skin. Next, the validity of the template was tested using image guidance in 10 consecutive patients undergoing elective pterional craniotomy, and the feasibility of the target point localization for cSDH accessibility was determined based on hematoma localization in 237 patients who were treated for a space-occupying cSDH in the authors' department between 2014 and 2018. In the anatomical study, the mean perpendicular distance from the zygomatic process to the target point in the frontoparietal bone was 4.1 cm (95% CI 4-4.2 cm). The mean length along the upper margin of the zygomatic process from the middle of the external auditory canal to the point of the perpendicular distance was 2.3 cm (95% CI 2.2-2.4 cm). The template designed according to these measurements yielded high agreement between the template-based target point and the proximal MMA groove inside the frontoparietal bone (right 90.9%; left 93.6%). In the clinical validation, we noted a mean distance of 4 mm (95% CI 2.1-5.9 mm) from the template-based target point to the actual MMA localization. The feasibility analysis yielded that 95% of all cSDHs in this cohort would have been accessible by the new frontal burr hole localization. A template-based target point approach for MMA localization may serve as a simple, fast, reliable, and cost-effective technique for surgical evacuation of space-occupying cSDHs with MMA obliteration through the same burr hole in a single setting.

Osteological Analysis of Hard Palate in North Indian Skulls and its Forensic Significance: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Various therapeutic procedures, such as cleft palate surgery, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, nasopharyngoscopy, and nasogastric intubation, rely on the morphometric measurements of the hard palate. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in passive speech articulation. Therefore, understanding the morphological and osteological diversity of the hard palate holds clinical significance. Aim: To assess the normal and aberrant morphology and morphometry of the hard palate. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was initiated in December 2017 and completed in December 2021. It was conducted on 100 dry adult human skulls collected from the Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab, India. The palate was analysed to determine the mean palatal length, breadth, and height. Additionally, the palatal index and palatal height index were calculated. Different osteological parameters of the lesser palatine foramen, including its number, distance from the greater palatine foramen, palatomaxillary suture, and interpalatine suture, were measured. Mean, standard deviation, range, and p-value were calculated for the metric parameters. Results: The mean palatal length, breadth, and height were 46.16±4.18 mm, 33.01±2.67 mm, and 11.06±1.88 mm, respectively. In the present study, 83% of skulls belonged to the leptostaphyline type, 10% to the mesostaphyline type, and 7% to the brachystaphyline type. The number of lesser palatine foramen varied from 0-2 on both sides, with predominance of a single foramen on both sides. The distances of the lesser palatine foramen from the greater palatine foramen, palatomaxillary suture, and intermaxillary suture were found to be 3.55±1.56 mm, 11.45±2.42 mm, and 17.57±3.06 mm on the right side, and 3.38±1.57 mm, 10.90±2.39 mm, and 17.47±2.99 mm on the left side, respectively. Conclusion: The data provided by this study will be helpful in various disciplines of medical, dental, and anthropometrical sciences.

A Cross-sectional Study of Wormian Bones in the Cranium: Exploring their Clinical Significance and Diagnostic Implications

Introduction: Wormian Bones (WBs) are small, irregularly shaped ossicles often located within the cranial sutures and at the fontanelles, with the majority found in the lambdoid sutures. They result from the formation of abnormal ossification centres in the cranium that develop through an unknown mechanism. Clinically, Significant Wormian bones (SWBs) are defined as bones arranged in a general mosaic-like pattern with a size larger than 6×4 mm; for pathological significance, more than 10 such SWBs should be present. Aim: To study the incidence of WBs in various sutures of human dry skulls and to investigate the incidence of the metopic suture and Inca bone in human dry skulls. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Government Doon Medical College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India, from January 2024 to May 2024. In the present study, 38 dried adult human skulls of unknown age and sex were examined for the presence, number and location of WBs, the metopic suture, and the Inca bone in various sutures of the skull. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and results were expressed in terms of incidence. Results: Wormian bones were present in 21 (55.26%) skulls, while 17 (44.74%) had no WBs. One (0.27%) skull had a metopic suture, and 1 (0.27%) skull had an Inca bone. Pathologically significant WBs were not found in any of the skulls examined. Conclusion: The overall incidence of WBs is 55.26%, while the incidences of the metopic suture and Inca bone are both 2.63%. Thus, WBs may mimic a cranial fracture, leading to misdiagnosis, which could delay or alter treatment. Additionally, some WBs may be lost during putrefaction, giving the appearance of an entry/exit gunshot wound in postmortem cases.

Morphological analysis of the hypoglossal canal and its relationship with surrounding anatomical structures

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the hypoglossal canal morphologically and to emphasize the importance of its relation to the adjacent anatomical structures, which may affect some surgical procedures, such as the transcondylar surgical approach. Methods: In the study, 25 adult human skulls belonging to Bursa Uludağ University Anatomy Laboratories were evaluated. The 22 parameters were measured on the skulls. Results: The distance between the hypoglossal canal and the anterior border of the occipital condyle was found to be 15.8±2.8 mm on the left side and 15.8±3.1 mm on the right side. The external distance between the hypoglossal canal and the anterior border of the occipital condyle was found to be 11.5±2 mm on the left and 11.6±2 mm on the right. The distance between the hypoglossal canal and the posterior margin of the occipital condyle was 11.7±1.8 mm on the left side and 12.2±2.1 mm on the right side. Furthermore, the distance measured externally between the same anatomical structures was found to be 14.04±1.89 mm and 14.4±1.6 mm on the left and right, respectively. We also found a positive correlation between the length of the foramen magnum and the occipital condyle. In addition, the diameter of the foramen magnum and the distance between the hypoglossal canal and the anterior margin of the occipital condyle were positively correlated. Conclusion: In the transcondylar approach, the locations of important anatomical structures must be well known to perform a safe occipital condyle resection without harming the neural tissue. Especially surgeons should pay attention to the distances between the hypoglossal canal and the anterior and posterior margins of the occipital condyle in order to prevent hypoglossal nerve injury. The operational success of a condylectomy may be affected by the length of the hypoglossal canal. A detailed anatomical assessment is needed before similar procedures to avoid surgical injuries. How to cite this article: Yıldız Yılmaz M, Babacan S, Kafa İM, Coşkun İ. Morphological analysis of the hypoglossal canal and its relationship with surrounding anatomical structures. J Med Dent Invest 2023; 4: e230343. https://doi.org/10.5577/jomdi.e230343

Fenestration and Dehiscence in Human Maxillary Alveolar Bone: An In Silico Study Using the Finite Element Method.

Fenestration and dehiscence are alveolar bone defects. Although not considered a pathology, these alveolar bone defects end up influencing dental treatment, such as surgeries, mainly periodontal, and therefore must be considered during treatment planning. However, currently, little is known about the biomechanical origin of these bone formations. The aim of the study was to use the finite element method (FEM) to test hypotheses of predictive factors for fenestrations and dehiscence in human alveolar bone. A FEM simulation of the action of functional, parafunctional, and orthodontic occlusal loads on the upper central incisor and upper canine was performed. For the simulation, a three-dimensional model of an adult human skull, fully dented and with intact bone structure, was constructed from computed tomography images. The buccal alveolar bone lamina was evaluated considering the calculation of equivalent stresses, as well as maximum principal stresses. The action of functional and parafunctional forces on the incisal edges and the orthodontic force on the buccal face of the upper central incisor and upper canine teeth generated tensions at different levels of magnitude in the buccal bone lamina, varying in regions, at all levels of strength. Changing levels of force magnitude resulted in variations in relation to the level of deformation. The computational simulation using the FEM was able to identify a difference in stress in the alveolar bone tissue in each of the applied forces. The difference in stresses obtained may suggest the formation of dehiscence or fenestration in the region studied.

Anterolateral surgical triangle of the cavernous sinus: a cadaveric study of neurosurgical importance.

The anterolateral triangle around the cavernous sinus is a surgical skull base triangle used as a neurosurgical landmark essential to skull-based surgeries. There are few reports of its measurements with little attention paid to anatomical variations. A total of 15 adult human cadaveric skulls were dissected to expose the anterolateral triangle on both sides. The triangle was defined and measurements of the three borders were taken precisely and the area of each triangle was calculated using Heron's formula. On an average, the length of the anteromedial border is 11.4 (+ 2.2mm); the length of the posteromedial border is 8.7 (+ 2.6mm); the length of the lateral border is 13.06 (+ 2.6mm) and the area of the anterolateral triangle is 48.05 (+ 17.5mm2). Concise understanding of anterolateral triangle is essential to skull-based surgeries; comprehending its anatomy helps with better surgical planning and provides insight into local pathology.

Topography and clinical implication of Wormian bones on dry adult human skulls in Telangana region

Introduction and Aim: Wormian bones vary in size, form and quantity and their occurrence is influenced by both genetic and environmental variables. Wormian bones are also seen in foetus ultrasounds during the antenatal period. The occurrence of much more than one sutural bone at the pterion is radiographically significant. The current study aims at the occurrence and topography of Wormian bones in the Telangana region and correlates them to other population groups. Material and Methods: This study was carried out in 160 dry adult human skulls. Presence of these Wormian bones in sagittal, coronal, and Lambdoid sutures along with bregma, lambda, asterion and pterion were noted. The quantitative data is analyzed, and the images were captured. Results: Their incidence was 45 % while in 55% skulls they were absent. Their percentage was more in lambdoid suture (16.9%) followed by asterion (12.5%). They were also observed in sutures like coronal (5.6%) and sagittal (1.9%). In pterion their occurrence was 3.12%. In bregma, none of the skull showed Wormian bones. Conclusion: In the present study, incidence of Wormian bones (Wb’s) is 45% with a greater number of Wb’s observed in Lambdoid suture (16.9%). In the event of any interventions or investigations on the skull, topography of these bones is to be considered.

A Morphologic and Morphometric Study of the Vermian Fossa and Internal Occipital Crest in Adult Indian Human Skulls

Introduction: The inner surface of the squamous part of occipital bone shows a prominent internal occipital crest that descends and bifurcates close to foramen magnum to enclose a small depression called vermian fossa. It has been reported that the internal occipital crest and vermian fossa affect the dural venous sinuses close to it and influence the cerebrospinal fluid flow. Few studies have reported morphology the morphology and morphometric features of vermian fossa. There is a paucity of literature regarding the morphology and morphometry of the internal occipital crest. Hence, the present study evaluated the morphological and morphometric details of the vermian fossa and internal occipital crest. Objectives: To provide morphologic & morphometric data of the vermian fossa and internal occipital crest in the Indian population. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, with a sample size of 64, carried out for a period of three months in the Department of Anatomy. The fossa's morphometric dimensions and the vermian fossa's different shapes observed were documented. The internal occipital crest was observed for shape & length. All data was tabulated, analyzed, and summarized using mean and standard deviation. Results: The vermian fossa was present in 56(82.35%) bones. The type 1 variety was observed in 48(70.6%), type 2 variety in 1 (1.1%) bone and type 3 - atypical variety in 10.3%. The mean length and width of the vermian fossa was 8.9 ±4.41 mm and 8.02±3.50 mm, respectively. The internal occipital crest was sharp in 37(54.4%) bones, rounded in 24(35.3%) bones and wide in 6(8.8%) bones and ill-defined in one bone. The mean length of the internal occipital crest from the internal occipital protuberance to the posterior margin of the foramen magnum was 4.16±0.56 cm. Conclusion: An accurate knowledge of morphology and morphometry of vermian fossa and internal occipital crest and their variations is of significance in diagnostic and therapeutic performance of clinicians and radiologists. Variations in normal anatomical features need to be explored. Hence, this is of importance to anatomists and morphologists. KEY WORDS: occipital crest, vermian fossa, morphology, morphometry, cerebellum.

Analysis of free-fall bullet injury potential in the cranium via finite elements method

The aim of this study is to analyze the injury potential of the free-falling bullet in the cranium, which is known as a tired bullet in the public, with the finite element method (FEM) In the study, as penetrant 9 × 19 mm FMJ bullets with vertical falling angle, adult human skull and brain tissue were discussed. The results of the analysis with the Finite element method, which is similar to the cases reported before, revealed that free-falling bullets as a result of shooting into the air can cause fatal injuries.

Supraorbital foramen and supraorbital notch morphometry- An assured aid to target the supraorbital nerve

Introduction: Supraorbital neuralgia is manifested with pain and tenderness at the distribution of the supraorbital nerve (SN). Explicit knowledge of the location of SN is vital for clinicians performing regional nerve blocks to relieve the pain. In the present study, detailed measurements of the supraorbital foramen (SOF) and supraorbital notch (SON) of South Indian skulls are presented, and the data are compared with those from other populations. Methodology: One hundred SON/SOF were assessed morphometrically from 50 dried adult human skull. Relevant morphometric measurements were performed using Vernier caliper. The parameters used were horizontal and vertical diameters of SON/SOF, distance between SON/SOF from the supraorbital rim; SOF to the nasal skeletal midline; SOF to the temporal crest of the frontal bone, and SOF to the superior wall of the IOF. Data was analyzed using SPSSv16.0. Results: SON was more frequently found than SOF. The mean distance of SON/SOF to the nasal midline was 24.77 mm on right side and 23.36 mm on left side. The mean distance of SON/SOF to the temporal crest of frontal bone was 30.22 mm on both sides. Mean distance between SON/SOF to infraorbital foramen was 39.71 mm on right side and 40.41 mm on left side. Mean height of SOF was 1.38 mm on the right side and 1.31 mm on the left side. Mean transverse diameter of SON was 3.93 mm. Conclusion: Differences exist in the dimensions and position of SOF/SON among different races and people of other regions. Anatomical knowledge of SON/ SOF is essential in facilitating craniofacial surgical procedures and in the treatment of neuralgia. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 22 No. 03 July’23 Page : 598-603

Osteological Study of the Parietal Foramen in the Adult Human Skull Bones and its Clinical and Surgical Correlations

Osteological Study of the Parietal Foramen in the Adult Human Skull Bones and its Clinical and Surgical Correlations

Morphological Study of Stylomastoid Foramen at the Base of Skull and its Role in Facial Nerve Palsy.

The facial nerve emerges out of skull through the stylomastoid foramen located between styloid process and mastoid process. Unilateral paralysis of facial nerve is known as Bell's palsy and is reported to be caused most frequently by herpes simplex virus. The herpes infection is comparatively common but Bell's palsy is not very common. So, other causes of Bell's palsy like variation in morphological forms of stylomastoid cannot be ruled. There is paucity of literature elucidating morphological shapes of this foramen and correlating these forms of foramen with Bell's palsy. Hence the study was carried out. The aim of this study is to expound varied forms of stylomastoid foramen and to bring out clinical implications. The study was conducted in the department of anatomy using undamaged 70 adult dry human skulls of unknown age and sex. The morphological shapes were observed, interpretated and compared with available literature and their clinical implications were brought out. Most common shapes observed were round and oval followed by square shapes. Round shaped foramina were observed in 40 skulls on right sides constituting 57.1% and in 36 skulls on left side constituting 51.4%. While oval shapes were found in 16 skulls on right side (22.6%) and in 12 skulls on left side (17.1%). Rare variants of the foramen include triangular, serrated and closely applied to styloid process. The rare morphological forms were mostly observed to be unilateral in occurrence. Unilateral Bell's palsy is common, so, the rare morphological forms might be responsible for Bell's palsy.

Morphological Measurements of Innominate Foramina and Bony Spurs along the Base of Sphenoid as a Potential Risk Factor for Neurovascular Entrapment, Radiological Interpretation and Surgical Access.

Restricted access and compression of neurovascular structures at various anatomic variations at the skull base poses a challenge to surgeons, neurologists and anesthetists. The present study was performed with the objective of providing morphometric analysis of innominate foramina, and anomalous bony bars and spurs along the infratemporal surface of the greater wing of the sphenoid and reviewing the practical significance of dealing with this region. A total of 100 dry-aged human adult skulls from the archives of the osteology library of the Department of Anatomy were studied. A detailed morphometric analysis of such innominate foramina and anomalous osseous structures along the base of the sphenoid was performed using a sliding digital vernier caliper. Anomalous bony bar was found in 22 skulls (25.28%). A complete bar was observed at eight (9.1%). An innominate foramen was located inferomedial to foramen ovale (5 unilateral and 3 bilateral) with a mean anteroposterior diameter of 3.44 mm and a mean transverse diameter of 3.16 mm. Neurovascular structures may be compressed by abnormal bony outgrowths or while traversing through such unnamed bony foramina. The latter may also be overlooked and mistaken during radiological interpretation leading to delayed diagnosis. Such unnamed foramina and bony outgrowths need to be documented in the literature due to their surgical, and radiological implications and limited citations.

A Geometric Morphometrics Approach for Sex Estimation Based on the Orbital Region of Human Skulls from Bosnian Population.

Understanding the anatomy and morphological variability of the orbital region is of great importance in clinical practice, forensic medicine, and biological anthropology. Several methods are used to estimate sex based on the skeleton or parts of the skeleton: classic methods and the geometric morphometric method. The objective of this research was to analyse sex estimation of the orbital region on a sample of skulls from a Bosnian population using the geometric morphometric method. The research was conducted on three-dimensional models of 211 human adult skulls (139 males and 72 females) from the Osteological Collection at the Faculty of Medicine in Sarajevo. The skulls were recorded using a laser scanner to obtain skull 3D models. We marked 12 landmarks on each model to analyse sexual dimorphism. Landmarks were marked using the program Landmark Editor. After marking the landmarks, we used the MorphoJ program to analyse the morphological variability between male and female orbital regions. After Procrustes superimposition, generating a covariant matrix, and introducing sex as a variable for classification, a discriminant functional analysis (DFA) was applied which determined the estimation for males with 86.33% accuracy and for females with 88.89% based on the form of the orbital region. The results of regression analysis showed that the size of the orbital region has a statistically significant effect on its shape's sexual dimorphism. After excluding the influence of size and providing DFA, we concluded that sex estimation was possible with 82.01% accuracy for males and 80.55% accuracy for females based on the shape of the orbital region in the examined sample. Sex estimation based on the orbital region was possible with more than 80% accuracy for both sexes, which is a high percentage of correct estimation. Therefore, we recommend using the orbital region of the skull for sex estimation.