Adult Human Skulls Research Articles

Anatomical and Morphometric Study of Optic Foramen in North Indian Population

Abstract Introduction Optic canal connects orbit to middle cranial fossa. Optic nerve and ophthalmic artery pass through this canal. The aim of the present study is to make morphometric and anatomical observations of endocranial opening of optic canal. Materials and Methods The observations were conducted on 30 dry adult human skulls. The observations were made on shape, margins, confluence, septations, dimensions, and distance of optic foramen from apex of petrous temporal bone. Result and Statistical Analysis On morphometric observation, transverse diameter (TD) was 6.00 mm and 6.15 mm on the left and the right side, respectively. The vertical diameter (VD) was 5.14 mm on the left side and 4.82 mm on the right side. The distance of optic foramen to apex of petrous temporal bone was 21.84 mm on the left side and 21.90 mm on the right side. The mean, standard deviation, range, and p value were measured by using SPSS software version 19.00. Conclusion In the present study we attempt to provide a comprehensive anatomical and morphometric data of optic foramen that may help ophthalmologists and neurosurgeons during surgery.

Determination of Sex from Mastoid Dimensions among North Indians

Introduction: Sex determination is the keystone of a biological profile and skulls of unknown provenance are best tested for race and sex using different variables. Determination of sex from the skeleton is vital to medico legalinvestigations. The mastoid region is analysed for determination of sex from fragmentary crania in Forensic Anthropology as it is one of the most protected region and resistant to damage due to its anatomical position at the base of the brain.Objective: The purposeof this study was to determine the existence of sexual dimorphism in the dimensions of mastoid process among North Indians.Material and Method: Material for the study consisted of 70 adult (above 18 years) human skulls (35 of either sex) of North Indians obtained from Anatomy and Forensic department of SGRDIMSAR, Amritsar. Mastoid measurements (Length, Breadth and A-P diameter) of both the sides were taken in millimeters with the help of sliding Vernier Caliper and size of mastoid process was calculated.Results: All four mastoidvariables showed significant sexual dimorphismp<0.001. Canonical discriminant function Coefficient using stepwise analysis was -3.142 in females and 3.142 in males.In statistical analysis using Canonical Discriminant Functions, Eigen value was 10.015 and Wilks’ Lambda was 0.091.Conclusion: Accuracy of determination of gender using all four variables was 97.1% original and 96.4% cross- validated. Therefore, mastoid process can be used as a tool fordetermination of sex in fragmentary skeletal remains.

Microwave-induced thermoacoustic tomography through an adult human skull.

To demonstrate the feasibility of microwave-induced thermoacoustic tomography (TAT) of adult human brain. We analyzed the electric field distribution radiated from an antenna to acquire homogeneous illumination. We first imaged the anatomical structures in a rat's trunk to validate the thermoacoustic contrast invivo. We then imaged an agar cylinder through an adult human skull exvivo todemonstrate transcranial penetration of both microwave and ultrasound. We also analyzed the specific absorption rate to show the conformance to the safety standard for human electromagnetic exposure. We successfully acquired cross-sectional images of the rat's trunk invivo. Major blood vessels and organs are clearly visible. The transcranial image shows that TAT can image through the adult human skull and reveal an agar enclosed by the skull. Microwave-induced TAT of a rat's trunk invivo and an agar phantom through an adult human skull exvivo has been demonstrated experimentally. This study demonstrates both the TAT contrasts invivo and the capability of transcranial imaging, showing potential of TAT for adult human brain imaging with high contrast and penetration.

Anatomical and Radiological Study of the Greater Palatine Foramen in Adult Human Skulls

Thirty adult human skulls with full eruption of the third molar teeth were examined to determine the anatomy of the greater palatine foramen and canal. Forty computerized tomography scans of the patients were collected to study the location of the greater palatine foramen, direction and length of the greater palatine canal. Dry skulls were differentiated into 14 males and 16 females. Bony results demonstrated that the most common location for the greater palatine foramen was opposite the upper third molar tooth. The most common direction for the greater palatine canal into the oral cavity was anteroinferiorly. In radiological results (CT scan): the mean length of the greater palatine canal was 21.7 mm in males; and 18.1 mm females. The most common location of the greater palatine foramen (GPF) was (1) Opposite the third molar in 45% of the males; and 45% of the females. (2) The next common location was between the second and third molar teeth in 25% of the males; and 30% of the females. (3) Then opposed to the second molar in 20% of the males; and in 25% of the females, (4) Distal to the to the third molar in 10% of the males; and non in females. The direction of the greater palatine canal was anteroinferiorly in 55% of the males; and in 65% of the females. It is concluded that the dentist has to take these anatomical notes with consideration to obtain a successful injection for greater palatine nerve block.

Morphological characteristics of foramen Vesalius in dry adult human skulls

Introduction. The foramen Vesalius is a variable foramen located at the skull base, anteromedial to the foramen ovale behind and lateral to the foramen rotundum. This foramen is also known as emissary sphenoidal foramen. The aim of the research was to determine the anatomical characteristics of the foramen Vesalius in adult human skulls and foramina classification according to their type, shape, and sex distribution. Material and Methods. The study included 26 dry adult human skulls of both sexes from the collection of the Depart?ment of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Novi Sad. The skulls were macroscopically analyzed according to the presence or absence of the foramen Vesalius. Results. The foramen Vesalius was found in 16 skulls (61.54%) and it was absent in 10 skulls (38.46%). The incidence of bilateral and unilateral foramen Vesalius was 87.5% (14 skulls) and 12.5% (2 skulls), respectively. The foramen Vesalius was found in 10 male skulls (62.5%) and in 6 female skulls (37.5%). Conclusion. Based on the morphological analysis of the skulls, the study showed that the foramen of Vesalius can be unilateral or bilateral. The bilateral foramen was more common and it was usually round and symmetrical. In regard to the sex prevalence, the foramen was more prevalent in male than in female skulls. The results of the study showed that foramen Vesalius is not an uncommon anatomical variation, and its presence and morphological appearance are important information for physicians in various fields.

Sexual dimorphism in right and left orbital fossa measurements from adult human skulls from an eastern Indian population

In forensic anthropology, the pelvis is the most reliable indicator of sex, followed by the skull, with several studies having used the morphometry of the orbital aperture of dry skulls to estimate sex. However, age, sex, ancestry, and evolutionary periods cause variations in orbital characteristics. In this study, we analyzed measurements of orbital fossa from adult human craniums and employed discriminant function analysis to establish a model to predict sex. A manual Vernier caliper was used to obtain measurements of the left and right orbital fossa. On comparing the measurements (including mean, minimum, and maximum), we found that all the dimensions were greater in males than in females. Wilks' lambda for the sex-discriminating model was 0.533, signifying a moderate discriminating power. The discriminant function equation was: df = −10.274 × right orbit width + 13.44 × left orbit width − 7.982 × right orbit height + 7.694 × left orbit height − 12.234 (constant). The cutoff point was (90.567− [−1.512])/2 = 1.0395. Therefore, above this value of 1.0395, cases were predicted to be male, while below it, they were predicted to be female. Orbital aperture measurements can play an important role in estimating sex from dry craniums. Orbital measurements could be a useful adjunctive test for sex estimation in forensic practice.

Finite Element Analysis of Stress in Maxillary Dentition during En-masse Retraction with Implant Anchorage.

The goal of this study was to investigate how the height of the archwire hook and implant anchor affect tooth movement, stress in the teeth and alveolar bone, and the center of resistance during retraction of the entire maxillary dentition using a multibracket system. Computed tomography was used to scan a dried adult human skull with normal occlusion. Three-dimensional models of the maxillary bone, teeth, brackets, archwire, hook, and implant anchor were created and used for finite element analysis. The heights of the hook and the implant anchor were set at 0, 5, or 10 mm from the archwire. Orthodontic force of 4.9 N was systematically applied between the hook and the implant anchor and differential stress distributions and tooth movements observed for each traction condition. With horizontal traction, the archwire showed deformation in the superior direction anterior to the hook and in the inferior direction posterior to the hook. Differences in traction height and direction resulted in different degrees of deformation, with biphasic movement clearly evident both in front of and behind the hook. With horizontal traction of the hook at a height of 0 mm, all the teeth moved distally, but not with any other type of traction. At a height of 5 mm or 10 mm, deformation showed an increase. The central incisor showed extrusion under all traction conditions, with the amount showing a reduction as the height of horizontal or posterosuperior traction increased. The center of resistance was located at the root of the 6 anterior teeth and entire maxillary dentition. The present results suggest that it is necessary to consider deformation of the wire and the center of resistance during en-masse retraction with implant anchorage.

Anthropometric Measurements of Adult Human Skull for Determination of Sex and Stature in a population sample from Haryana state (India)

Introduction: The study of human skulls in the state of Haryana was carried out to explore the objective methods of determination of sex and stature, by using anthropometric measurements; and therefore, help in the identification of gender and stature of a person. Materials and Method: The study was carried out on 100 dead bodies, 60 males and 40 females. Measurements of length, breadth and circumference of the skull and length of the body were made directly on each deceased. The known heights of the combined data were analysed against the anthropometric variables. Significant sexual dimorphism was observed for the parameters studied. Results: The length of the mastoid process and horizontal circumference of the skull are the most important criteria for sex determination as it could sexually differentiate more than 92% of the skulls. Skulls were positively males when the maximum length ofthe skull is > 176.59 mm, maximum breadth ofthe skull is > 124.04 mm, length ofmastoid process is > 22.49 mm, depth of infratemporal fossa is > 24.03 mm and horizontal circumference of skull is > 511.68 mm; and positively females when these parameters were < 172.71 mm, < 121.87 mm, < 22.54 mm, < 22.60 mm and < 506.72 mm respectively. Multiplication factor (9.24 - 9.45) calculated from the maximum length of the skull is not of much significance for accurate stature estimation, however, the range of error in estimation of stature from regression analysis method is much lesser.

A Morphologic and Morphometric Study of the jugular foramen of the adult human skulls: an osteological study in Upper Egypt

Background:Jugular foramen is one of the foramen at the base of skull lies between the occipital bone and the petrosal portion of the temporal bone. It allows passage of important nervous and vascular elements, such as the glossopharyngeal, vagus accessory nerves, and the internal jugular vein. Glomic tumors, schwannomas, metastatic lesions and infiltrating inflammatory processes are associated with this foramen, which can account for injuries of related structures. Variability in anatomical aspect of jugular foramen has been studied by many workers in different part of the world. Aims & Objective:Tostudy the variability in shape and size of jugular foramen which has clear cut relationshipwith size of internal jugular vein and presence or absence of dome. Materials andMethods: Present study has been designed to study on 100 skulls (100×2=200 foramen). Result: In the study Bilateral presence of dome has been found in 98% of cases. Both unilateral and bilateral completeseptation have been observed. The mean diameters on the right side were more than the left. Conclusion:The clinical significance of jugular foramen is very important during surgeries. Therefore, the dimensions of jugular foramen is very much necessary.

Correction to: Prevalence of wormian bones in dried adult human skulls: an osteo-morphometric study in Nepal.

In the original publication of the article, the affiliation of the coauthor Subash Sapkota and the formula of the cranial index were published incorrectly. The correct affiliation is provided in this correction.

Prevalence of wormian bones in dried adult human skulls: an osteo-morphometric study in Nepal

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of wormian bones (WBs) in different head shapes of Nepalese skulls along with their distribution at various sites. This study was conducted on 70 Nepalese skulls obtained from the Department of Anatomy, Nepal Medical College, and the Institute of Medicine from September 2017 to January 2018. The skulls were examined for the presence and topographic distribution of WBs. The occurrence of WBs at various sites was correlated among different head shapes. The incidence of skulls showing WBs was 88.57%. The WBs were observed at the lambdoid (61.43%), parietomastoid (41.43%), occipitomastoid (27.14%), pterion (25.71%), asterion (24.29%), lambda (11.43%), sagittal (7.14%) and coronal sutures (4.28%). The dominant head type was dolichocephalic (44.29%) and the least dominant was brachycephalic (10%). The maximum number of WBs was shown on brachycephalic (mean 8.86 ± 7.13) then hyperdolichocephalic (mean 8.33 ± 9.15), mesaticephalic (mean 5.10 ± 4.45) and dolichocephalic heads (mean 4.16 ± 5.30). Brachycephalic heads frequently exhibited WBs at the pterion (57.14%) and at different sutures: lambdoid (71.42%), parietomastoid (57.14%), sagittal (28.57%) and squamous (14.28%). Hyperdolichocephalic heads displayed more lambda (33.33%) and coronal (8.33%) WBs. Similarly, dolichocephalic and mesaticephalic heads showed WBs at the occipitomastoid (35.48%) and asterion (30%), respectively. Inca bones were only identified in three dolichocephalic skulls. Neurosurgeons, radiologists and orthopedists should be careful when doing clinical and surgical procedures on different head shapes of the Nepalese population.

Study of incidence of different types of pterion and its surface anatomy in adult dry human skulls in Ranchi District, Jharkhand, India

Study of incidence of different types of pterion and its surface anatomy in adult dry human skulls in Ranchi District, Jharkhand, India

A study of orbital dimensions in adult human skulls of North Indian population

A study of orbital dimensions in adult human skulls of North Indian population

Medicolegal Importance of the Foramen Ovale, in Determination of Sex, in Dried Adult Egyptians Human Skulls (Morphometric &amp; Morphological Study)

Anatomical variations of the skull foramens have been of interest for anthropologists, forensic scientists and neuroanatomists. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the morphometric measurements foramen ovale to proof its anatomical variations for sex determination in Egyptian dried adult skulls. This study included 25 dry adult human skulls (50 FO); 13 males and 12 females. A digital caliper was used to measure the dimensions of the FO (Length and width); these measurements were taken by two researchers separately. All measurements were conducted bilaterally and repeated three times, the data were statistically analyzed and a comparison between both sides (right and left) FO in skulls of both sexes were done. It was found that there wane differences between the averages meas ±SD length and the width of both sides of FO (left and right) in male skulls with no statistical significance. The same results were found in female skulls. Based on the gender, the linear metric measurements of F.O in skulls of both sexes showed statistical significant difference on the average means ± SD in the length and width of the right and left sides. Various shapes of the F.O were observed in the studied skulls, and the most common shape was the oval shape followed by the almond shape. It can be concluded that, the metric analysis of FO can be useful as a supplement to other skeletal measurements aiming at establishing gender identity of individuals. Also the foramen ovale has a great variation in different countries.

Study of Cranial Capacity &amp; Its Sexual Dimorphism in Adult Human Skulls

Study of Cranial Capacity &amp; Its Sexual Dimorphism in Adult Human Skulls

The incidence of Civinini’s bar in adult Anatolian dry skulls: An anatomical study

IntroductionCivinini’s ligament is among the intrinsic ligaments of sphenoid bone that may occasionally ossify. The ossification may be complete or incomplete and unilateral or bilateral. It may lead entrapment of neighboring neurovascular structures and may cause difficulties during surgical procedures through infratemporal fossa. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to demonstrate the incidence and types of Civinini’s bar and discuss its clinical relevance. MethodsSixty-six adult human Anatolian dry skulls with unknown age and sex were obtained from the Department of Anatomy. All skulls were examined and classified with regard to presence or absence, side and ossification degree of Civinini’s bar. ResultsA total incidence of 31.81% of different types of Civinini’s bars was observed, out of which 1.51% were Type I, 18.18% Type II, 1.51% Type III, 0% Type IV and 10.60% were of Type V variety. DiscussionComplete or incomplete ossification of Civinini’s ligament have significant relation with blockage and entrapment of important neurovascular structures. A thorough knowledge of the anatomy and incidence of Civinini’s bar and related clinical situations could be important for radiologists, neurosurgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, anaesthetists, anatomists and anthropologists.

A 3D stereotactic atlas of the adult human skull base

BackgroundThe skull base region is anatomically complex and poses surgical challenges. Although many textbooks describe this region illustrated well with drawings, scans and photographs, a complete, 3D, electronic, interactive, realistic, fully segmented and labeled, and stereotactic atlas of the skull base has not yet been built. Our goal is to create a 3D electronic atlas of the adult human skull base along with interactive tools for structure manipulation, exploration, and quantification.MethodsMultiple in vivo 3/7 T MRI and high-resolution CT scans of the same normal, male head specimen have been acquired. From the scans, by employing dedicated tools and modeling techniques, 3D digital virtual models of the skull, brain, cranial nerves, intra- and extracranial vasculature have earlier been constructed. Integrating these models and developing a browser with dedicated interaction, the skull base atlas has been built.ResultsThis is the first, to our best knowledge, truly 3D atlas of the adult human skull base that has been created, which includes a fully parcellated and labeled brain, skull, cranial nerves, and intra- and extracranial vasculature.ConclusionThis atlas is a useful aid in understanding and teaching spatial relationships of the skull base anatomy, a helpful tool to generate teaching materials, and a component of any skull base surgical simulator.

Study of Morphometric Variations in Jugular Foramen and Jugular Fossa of Dried Adult Human Skulls

Study of Morphometric Variations in Jugular Foramen and Jugular Fossa of Dried Adult Human Skulls

Bilateral Multiple Mastoid Foramina Along With a Unilateral Occipito Mastoid Canal in an Adult Skull of North Indian Origin-A Rare Variation

The mastoid part of the temporal bone on its lateral surface usually has a mastoid foramen through which mastoid emissary vein and dural branch of the occipital artery passes. The foramen varies both in number as well as location. It can either be in the temporal or parietal bone, occipito mastoid suture or parieto mastoid suture. On routeine osteology class in the department of Anatomy, SGRD Medical college, Amritsar, an adult human skull of North Indian Origin was found to have multiple mastoid foramina on both sides. There was a bony ossicle seen on the left side connecting tip of mastoid process to the occipital condyle of left side creating a bony canal can be named as occipitomastoid canal. This variation can have great clinical as well as surgical significance during neurological and oto laryngeal surgery. The knowledge of this variation will contribute to the epigenetic and anthropological study of the minor variations related to the mastoid foramen.

Morphology of metopic suture and its clinical significance in human adult skull

Morphology of metopic suture and its clinical significance in human adult skull