Male Skulls Research Articles

Facial Masculinization Surgery Using Polyetheretherketone Alloplasty: Statistical Shape Modeling-based Implant Designs.

The face is the initial feature used to judge gender in public spaces; it is also a source of significant gender dysphoria. Surgical techniques are available for non-cisgender male patients who desire a more masculine face by augmenting certain features to change the bony framework of the skull. Augmentation using virtually designed patient-specific polyetheretherketone implants has now become a more widely applied method in maxillofacial surgery. When designing implants for augmentation, a three-dimensional (3D) reference or template is very useful. Hence, a 3D statistical shape model was developed of a male skull shape from information from a population of 40 male patients containing the mean shape and principal components of shape variation. By overlaying the template and the patient's 3D skull model, this method identified the regions of gender dimorphism in this case to be the orbital ridge, zygomatic regions, and frontal bossing area. Based on the 3D template overlay, polyetheretherketone augmentation implants were virtually designed in close consultation with a patient to augment the aforementioned regions. The virtual statistical shape modeling template offered an objective reference, and the possibility to fully involve the patient in the treatment planning.

Aral Sea Saka Tribes Study Based on Egistic Mausoleum Materials

The study analyses the Chirik-Rabat craniological data. The analysis includes new anthropological materials from the East-Aral Sea Egistic mausoleum. The collection is represented with 13 craniums – 6male and 7 female ones. A series of monuments was discovered between 1957 and 1961. These monuments date back to 3–2 centuries BC. The data provided by the authors are a significant addition to the already published researches. Some craniums have traces of the beshik cradle artificial cranial deformation. It was frequent in the Central Asia Saka people. Individuals were found with applanation on the back of their heads. It allows to conclude that early nomads often used beshik cradles because they led a nomadic lifestyle in the North Eurasia arid zone. 31% of the skulls have osteomas. This allows the conclusion on the burial ground being designed for families and the individuals being blood-related. The Chirik-Rabat craniological data have a vast amount of comparative data. The canonical analysis showed that the male artefacts belonged to the descendants of the preceding population. Besides the male skulls appeared to be close to both the neighbouring Saka tribes, Volga, Ural and West Kazakhstan Sarmatians. Whereas female artefacts showed no sign of descending from the early Saka population of the stated region. The study shows that these findings are associated with the Sauromatian-Sarmatian type of the Volga-Ural and Lower Volga population. This statement questions the theory of close contacts with both neighbouring communities and nomad Sarmatians of the Ural River basin.

INTERMASTOID DISTANCE OF THE HUMAN SKULL: PATTERNS OF INDIVIDUAL VARIABILITY

Sexual dimorphism of the mastoid processes of the temporal bones, namely their linear dimensions, size and shape, and the distance between them, are used in research aimed at determining the gender of the skulls. The distance between the mastoid processes is measured either as intermastoidale distance, or as the intermastoid lateral surface distance, IMLSD. Both indicators aff ect the determination of the sex of skulls better than linear dimensions. At the same time, in previous studies of gender diff erences in the intermastoid distance, the relationships between intermastoid distance and morphometric indicators characterizing the size of the skull were not taken into account. The purpose of the study: to establish the patterns of individual variability of the intermastoid lateral surface distance, namely, its relationship with the variability of the width of the skull base, the distance between asterions and the width of the cerebral cranium (transverse diameter of the skull). The study was conducted on 50 skulls (33 male and 17 female) from the craniological collection of the Department of Human Anatomy of KhNM U.It was established that the intermastoid lateral surface distance in men is signifi cantly greater than in women (M±: 127,4±5,6 and 118,5±3,5, respectively; p<0,05). This is explained by the larger size of the male skull compared to the female one and the peculiarities of the somatotypes of male and female organisms. In men, there are statistical relationships between the intermastoid lateral surface distance, on the one hand, and the width of the skull base (y=0.6x+56.5; r=0.6), the distance between asterions (y=0.5x+67.3; r=0.6), the transverse diameter of the skull (y=0.4x+72.3; r=0.4), on the other hand, are noticeable and statistically signifi cant (p<0.05), while in women they are much smaller (respectively, y=0.3x+87.6; r=0.3; y=0.3x+84.9; r=0.2; p<0.05; and y=0.4x+61.6; r=0.3, p>0.05). The shape of the skull does not aff ect the distance between the mastoid processes, both in men and in women.

Anthropological materials of the Bronze Age from the Ishkininsky burial mounds of Orenburg Region

The Ishkinin mounds are located on the territory of ancient copper mines that could have been created by the miners themselves. The materials from the burials of these burial grounds in total include six skeletons belonging to the Yamnaya and Alakul archaeological cultures of the Bronze Age. The people of the early stage of this epoch, judging by its morphological features, represent a rather tall Europeoid population. The restored male skull (Ishkinovka I, 3/7) is specific, differs from typical pit craniums of the Volga-Ural region in ultradolichocrania, and a very high face. According to male heredity, this individual has the same haplogroup that was characteristic of many Volga-Ural Ural Yamnaya people (R-Z2106), and according to female (mtDNA: H13a1a1), he finds a complete analogy with the sample of the Khvalyn Chalcolithic culture (Khlopkov Hillock, item 8), the owner of which craniologically represents a typical Uraloid complex. Probably, the physical characteristics of this person, and the appearance in general, are a reflection of the mestization of his progenitors. The Alakul skeletons of the Ishkinovka I and III burial grounds are more graceful. Taking into account previously published information, the bearers of the Alakul culture of the Late Bronze Age had a genesis unrelated to the ancient Yamal population. This, as well as archaeological data, shows that the ancient mines were developed for quite a long time, and by carriers of different archaeological cultures. The presence of cases of injury and natural pathologies on the skeletons of both cultures may indicate the presence of stress factors that caused their occurrence.

Variation of Wormian and Inca Bones in Adult Skulls

Objective: Irregular and abnormal small additional bones called Wormian bones can be encountered between the skull bones. This study aimed to investigate the incidence, topographical distribution, morphology, and interrelationship of the Wormian and Inca bones in Central Anatolia Region dry adult skulls. Methods: In the study, 119 adult skulls were examined. The location and frequency of additional bones (Wormian) in the sutures in the cranium were determined. Skulls with Inca bones were identified. The Inca bones were typified in accordance with the literature and their dimensions in the transverse and sagittal axis were measured with a digital caliper. Results: Wormian bone was present in 33 of 119 adult skulls (27.7%). Of the 33 bones, 22 were detected in the male (66.66%) and 11 female (33.34%) skulls. The locations of the Wormian bones in the order of decreasing incidence were the lambdoid suture (16.0%, 19/119), pterion (16.0%, 19/119), lambda (7.6%, 9/119), asterion (2.5%, 3/119), and bregma (1.7%, 2/119). Nine Inca bones were found in the lambdoid region (27.3%, 9/33). Six of these bones (66.7%) were in the male skull. We found that two of these bones were incomplete lateral asymmetric, two were complete symmetric bipartite, two were incomplete asymmetric bipartite and three were incomplete median type. We found that 13 (10.9%) of the skulls in the study had metopic sutures and 0.8% had craniosynostosis. When the craniums with metopic suture were evaluated, it was found that 8 of them (61.5%) had additional bone. 50% of the Wormian bones were found in the lambdoid suture. Conclusion: It has been found that the incidence of Wormian bone increases with suture variations. It was determined that the frequency of Inca bone variation may vary depending on regional differences.

Virtual craniometry using the skull anatomy program

Craniometric studies were carried out on mature male skulls of the 2nd period using the original Skull anatomy program. Depending on the transverse-longitudinal index, all skulls were distributed into 3 forms: brachycrania, mesocrania and dolichocrania. With a transverse-longitudinal index of 74.9 or less, dolichocrania was determined, from 75.0 to 79.9 – mesocrania, with a cranial index of 80.0 or more – brachycrania. When measuring the transverse diameter of the skull, the lowest value of the dolichocranic skull shape was obtained, while in the brachiocranic and mesocranic skull shapes these values were higher by 5.9 % and 2.9 %, respectively (p 0.05). Statistically significant differences in longitudinal diameter were noted between the three skull shapes. The obtained craniometry results of the cerebral part of the skull show that the main parameters by which the shapes of the skulls differ in males of mature age of the second period are the transverse and longitudinal diameters of the skull and the length of its base.

The Correlation Between the Foramen Magnum Dimensions and the Main Craniometric Data of the Skull

The purpose of the study was to study the correlation between the length and width of the foramen magnum and the craniometric data of the skull. Methods. The research material consisted of 200 skulls. There were 20 skulls of adolescence age, I adulthood age 68, II adulthood age 72, and elderly age 40. In total, there were 86 male skulls and 114 female skulls. Foramen magnum length is measured as the mid-sagittal distance from the most anterior point on the foramen magnum to opisthion. Foramen magnum breadth is gauged between the lateral margins of the foramen magnum at the point of greatest lateral curvature. A non-parametric ρ-Spearman's rank correlation was used in the study. Results. A correlation between the foramen magnum length and foramen magnum breadth is identified (r=0.479, P<0.001).The foramen magnum length positively correlates with maximum cranial length, nasio-occipital length, bizygomatic breadth, basion-bregma height, cranial base length, basion-prosthion length, biauricular breadth, upper facial breadth, left and right orbital breadths, left and right orbital height, biorbital breadth, interorbital breadth, frontal chord, biasterionic breadth, bimaxillary breadth, and zygoorbitale breadth. The foramen magnum breadth positively correlates with maximum cranial length, nasio-occipital length, bizygomatic breadth, basion-bregma height, cranial base length, basion-prosthion length, maxilla-alveolar breadth, maxilla-alveolar length, biauricular breadth, upper facial breadth, nasal height, left and right orbital breadths, left and right orbital heights, biorbital breadth, frontal chord, parietal chord, bimaxillary breadth, and zygoorbitale breadth. Conclusion. The fact that the length and breadth of the foramen magnum positively correlate with many basic craniometric indicators allows us to regard the foramen itself, or rather, the structures limiting it, as quite stable.

The Divided Hypoglossal Canal of Males and Females at Different Age Periods

Aim. The purpose of the study was to study the division of the hypoglossal canal in terms of age and gender. Material and research methods. The research material was 200 skulls (20 skulls of adolescence age, I adulthood age 68, II adulthood age 72, and elderly age 40. In total, there were 86 male skulls and 114 female skulls). For analyzing the obtained arithmetic data, the Pearson Chi-Square Test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used. Statistical analysis was carried out using the program "IBM Statistics SPSS-26". Research results. The difference in the division of the left and right hypoglossal canals between the male and female skulls in the gender aspect was not statistically significant (for the left divided hypoglossal canal PU = 0.668; for the right divided hypoglossal canal PU = 0.284). The hypoglossal canal and its division in the gender aspect also showed statistical insignificance with the use of the Pearson Chi-Square Test (for the left divided hypoglossal canal Pχ2 = 0.888 and for the right divided hypoglossal canal Pχ2 = 0.506). The division of the hypoglossal canals in age aspect also showed that the difference is statistically insignificant (for the left divided hypoglossal canal Pχ2 = 0.538 and for the right divided hypoglossal canal Pχ2 = 0.355). In female skulls, the difference between age periods was statistically significant for the left hypoglossal canal (PH = 0.047). The difference between male and female skulls in terms of age does not appear to be statistically significant. Only in the elderly age period is the difference for the left divided hypoglossal canal weakly significant (PU = 0.051). Conclusion. The data obtained on the age and gender characteristics of the divided hypoglossal canal are of interest when planning surgical interventions in the posterior cranial fossa.

Intermastoid distance as a criterion for determining the sex of the human skull

Annotation. The mastoid processes of the temporal bones are of great interest from the point of view of determining the sex of whole skulls and their fragments. The researchers established sex differences in the linear dimensions of the mastoid processes, the shape and dimensions of the mastoid triangle, and the length of the intermastoidale distance. By discriminant function analysis, it was determined that the intermastoidale distance is one of the best indicators for determining the gender of the skull. At the same time, previous studies of the sex difference in the intermastoidale distance did not consider the relationship of this indicator with morphometric parameters characterizing the size of the skull. The purpose of this study is to establish the patterns of individual variability of the intermastoidale distance, namely, its relationship with the variability of the width of the skull base, the distance between asterions and the width of the cerebral cranium (transverse diameter of the skull). The study was conducted on 55 skulls (35 male and 20 female) from the craniological collection of the Department of Human Anatomy of KhNMU. Correspondence of the distribution of morphometric indicators to the normal distribution was determined using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test with the Lilliefors correction. Statistical processing of measurement results was carried out using Excel 10 and Statistica 7 software packages. It was established that the intermastoidale distance in men is significantly greater than in women (M±s: 108,0±5,7 and 98±1,6, respectively; p<0.05). This is explained by the larger size of the male skull compared to the female one and the peculiarities of the constitution of male and female organisms. In men, there are statistical relationships between the intermastoidale distance and the width of the base of the skull (y = 0.5x + 41.0; r = 0.6; ); between the intermastoidale distance and the width of the cerebral part of the skull (y=0,4x+52,4; r=0,4); between the intermastoidale distance and the distance between asterions (y=0,6x+41,8; r=0,4) are noticeable and statistically significant (p<0.05). At the same time, in women they are small and statistically insignificant (respectively y=0,1x+87,4; r=0,3; y=0,1x+88,1; r=0,2; y=0,2x+74.8; r=0,3, p>0,05). The difference in the strength of the correlation between the studied parameters in male and female skulls may indicate the influence of various factors on the degree of the intermastoidale distance relationships with the studied skull dimensions depending on sex. We propose to consider the strong positive correlation between the intermastoidale distance and the width of the skull base established in this study as a factor that will allow for a qualitative (significant) increase in the accuracy of skull sex determination.

Metopic skull with occipitalisation of the atlas.

In this study we report a combination of anatomic variations in the neurocranium of an adult male skull. The skull is scanned using an industrial μCT system Nikon XT H 225. The cranial vault shows a persistent metopic suture, a remnant from the mendosal suture and supernumerary bones. Cranial base inspection reveals atlas occipitalisation (AO), basilar kyphosis, unusually shaped dorsum sellae and bilateral interclinoid bridging. AO is extensive without signs of atlantooccipital articulation. The anterior and posterior arches of the atlas and the right transverse process are fussed to the occipital bone above. The complete fusion of the posterior arch causes a formation of bone canals for the vertebral arteries passage into the cranium. AO in this case is not related to a reduction of the foramen magnum dimensions and clivus length.

Об относительной точности оценки пола по черепу

Introduction. There are no fewer than two hundred algorithms for sex estimation based on cranial morphology, relying on statistical analysis of non-metric, linear, angular traits, and their combinations. Nevertheless, many physical anthropologists prefer to rely on visual observations. The objectives of this research encompass exploring potential reasons behind the preference for a visual approach and conducting an analysis of the comparative effectiveness of visual and statistical methods for sex estimation. Materials and methods. The study is grounded in an analysis of publications related to methods of sex estimation based on cranial traits, spanning the past 70 years. Comparison of accuracy estimates was conducted using non-parametric tests, considering differences in statistical methods, validation approaches (no validation, cross-validation, independent test), and variable types (non-metric traits, craniometry, geometric morphometrics). Results. General reasons for skepticism towards algorithms include unrealistic expectations regarding their capabilities, greater susceptibility to errors by models compared to humans, lack of control over classification. However, algorithms generally surpass experts in predicting the target variable. The average accuracy of visual sex estimations based on cranial traits is slightly lower than the estimates of statistical models and exhibits noticeable variability. The accuracy of estimations made by experienced anthropologists is comparable to the average performance of models. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of algorithms significantly diminishes when applied to datasets originating from sources other than the training set, particularly when dealing with craniometric traits. In a substantial portion of studies, the size of the training datasets is insufficient for a reliable assessment of model effectiveness, and the sex distribution is skewed towards male skulls, leading to some inflation of the accuracy of their estimates. Model effectiveness can also decline due to errors in the evaluation of non-metric traits, and the assessment of inter-researcher discrepancies does not allow for an evaluation of their impact on model accuracy. Conclusion. Despite an extensive bibliography, there remains a lack of data on both the accuracy of the visual approach to sex estimation and the reliability of models with claimed high effectiveness. The adoption of flexible methodologies enabling researchers to independently control both variable selection and the composition of the training set will help overcome algorithm aversion and enhance the quality of estimates. @ 2023. This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 license

Some aspects of the craniometry of adult Nigerian indigenous pigs (Sus scrofa) and its application in regional anaesthesia

Regional anatomy is an important component of surgical and clinical practice because it helps clinicians envisage the specifics of the structures relevant to the case at hand. This study was designed to evaluate some clinically important indices which could aid regional anesthesia of the head in the Nigerian indigenous pig (NIP). Twenty-four (10 males and 14 females) skulls of adult NIP were examined to record 10 parameters. Data obtained were statistically analysed using the Student’s t-test and Pearson Correlation, with significance set at p<0.05. The study revealed that 50% of the indices were higher in female skulls but were not statistically significant. The mandibular length was, however, significantly longer in male skulls (19.0 ± 0.41), compared to females (18.0 ± 0.26). The distance from the facial crest to the infraorbital foramen was 1.3 ± 0.10 cm and 1.5 ± 0.08 cm, while that from the supraorbital foramen to the nasal bone was 2.1 ± 0.06 cm and 1.9 ± 0.06 cm, in male and female skulls, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between the distance from the facial crest to infraorbital foramen and that from infraorbital foramen to medial canthus of the orbit (r=.669). An accessory supraorbital foramen was seen in 12 (50%) of all the 24 skulls, just as several lateral mental foramina were observed on the rostro-lateral surface of the mandibular rami. Data generated provide clinically important information on the skull of adult Nigerian indigenous pigs which can be used as landmarks for tracking and desensitizing the branches of the frontal nerve (supraorbital), the maxillary nerve (Infraorbital) and the mandibular nerve, during the regional anaesthesia of the head, for tooth extraction procedures and the treatment of injuries and fractures. These results may also be useful for comparative anatomical, developmental, forensic, and clinical studies.

The assessment of the relationship between the traits of temporal muscle and the massiveness of the supraorbital region of the Homo sapiens crania including the influence of the neurocranial shape and size of the occlusal surface of the upper molars – preliminary study

The knowledge about the pattern of the relationship between the morphological variability of the supraorbital region of human skulls and the features of the temporal muscle is far from complete. The main aim of this study was to determine the relationships between the traits of human temporal muscle (i.e., its relative height and length) and the relative massiveness of the supraorbital region of the frontal bone with taking into account the potential influence of the neurocranial shape and the relative area of the occlusal surface of the upper molars. Skulls of African and Australian males (n = 44) exhibiting high variability in the massiveness of the supraorbital region, the presence of two types of the upper molars (first and second, n = 88) and a good state of the preservation of the braincase with the clearly visible inferior temporal line were examined. The qualitative scales were used to assess the degrees of the massiveness of the supraorbital regions. Metric traits of temporal muscle and that used to calculate the index of the neurocranial shape, size of the braincase and the facial skeleton were collected. Values of the occlusal areas of the molars were obtained using the ImageJ software. Spearman’s rank correlation and partial rank correlation analyses were performed. The results of our study showed the relationships between the traits of the temporal muscle and only the degree of the robusticity of most lateral part of the supraorbital area (trigonum). However, when the influences of the neurocranial shape and the relative occlusal area of molars were excluded, these relationships disappeared. The greatest importance of the neurocranial shape for the formation of the morphology of the trigonum was indicated. The results of the study were discussed from the perspective of the potential role of the temporal muscle as the part of the mastication apparatus for the development of the robusticity of the cranial supraorbital region.

Краниологическое исследование черепов из двух гуннских погребений из Крыма (Усть-Альминский некрополь, IV–V вв. н. э.)

Introduction. The invasion of the Huns in Europe, which became the cause of the Great Migration of peoples, could not but leave a significant archaeological trace. However, only a small number of Hun burials are currently known, most of which were discovered accidentally in the middle of the 20th century, which makes each newly discovered burial unique, and their comprehensive study and publication of individual data is important for subsequent research. Materials and methods. During the excavations in 2021–2022, two Hun burials were discovered in the Ust-Alma necropolis. One of them belonged to a young man, the second to an elderly woman. The good preservation of both skeletons, in particular their skulls, allowed for a complete craniological examination. In addition, a children's Hun skull from the Belyaus settlement was examined, which is in permanent storage at the D. N. Anuchin Research Institute and Museum of Anthropology. Results. As a result of the work carried out, it was found that both individuals from Ust-Alma have the same type of skull deformation – high annular (according to the classification of E.V. Zhirov). However, the deformation methods were probably different. The deformation of the skull of a child from Belyaus is defined as occipital with right-sided asymmetry of the occiput. Craniophenetic data do not indicate the relationship of individuals buried in the Ust-Alminsky burial ground. Craniometric data indicate a mixed origin of the crimean Huns. Conclusion. Due to the small number of Hun burials from Ust-Alma, as well as individual data on Hun skulls in the scientific literature, it is difficult to conduct a statistical analysis based on craniological data. Within the typological approach, for a number of features, the male skull was characterized as Caucasoid, and the female as Mongoloid. Thus, new craniological data on rare Hunnic skulls introduced into scientific circulation will increase the comparative base for further research. @ 2023. This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 license

A morphological study on the sphenoid bone ligaments’ ossification pattern

PurposeThe sphenoid bone (SB) extracranial ligaments (ECRLs) are the pterygoalar and pterygospinous ligaments (PTAL and PTSL) that are located at the SB lateral pterygoid plate, and inferior to the foramen ovale (FO). Their ossification may affect the mandibular nerve’s distribution. The intracranial ligaments’ (ICRLs) ossification (the caroticoclinoid ligament—CCLL, the anterior and posterior interclinoid ligaments—AICLL and PICLL) may impede the approaches to the sella.This study highlights the incidence of the ossified ECRLs and ICRLs location, their type (partial, or complete), considering laterality, gender, age, and ligaments’ simultaneous presence.MethodsThe sample consisted of 156 Greek adult dried skulls of both genders and variable age.ResultsOssified ligaments were identified in 57.05%, predominantly extracranially (42.31%, P = 0.003). ECRLs were predominantly identified unilaterally (30.13%, P < 0.001). The majority of the ossified ICRLs were predominantly identified in male skulls (31.1%, P = 0.048) and the majority of the ECRLs (52.8%, P = 0.028) were predominantly identified at the age of 60 years and above. The PTAL was the most ossified (32.69%), followed by the CCLL (24.36%), the PTSL (16.03%), the PICLL (6.41%), and the AICLL (4.49%).ConclusionsDetailed knowledge of the SB morphology and ligaments’ ossification extent is essential to improve the technique of the FO percutaneous approach, and sellar approaches, to minimize complications.

Craniometric indices of the skull of adult Nigerian indigenous Pigs (Sus scrofa)

The structure of the skull is a unique feature of each animal that allows for individual, breed and species differentiation. Craniometric analyses involve the determination of skull dimensions between anatomically-defined landmarks and such dimensions are useful in assessing the contributions of genetic and environmental components to an individual's development. The present study was designed to investigate 35 craniometric indices of 24 adult Nigerian indigenous pigs (NIP) skulls (10 males and 14 females). The data obtained were analysed using the Student’s t-test (p≤0.05) and Pearson Correlation (p≤ 0.05). The study revealed that 42.8% of the measured parameters were higher in males. The skull length was 23.02±0.35cm and 22.02±0.25cm, skull width was 11.01±0.18cm and 11.01±0.17cm, whole skull index was 63.26±1.60 and 65.07±0.48, and foramen magnum index was 104.15±2.70cm and 98.03±1.70cm, for males and females respectively. These values were however not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05) between both sexes. The skull of the NIP was categorised as dolichocephalic, according to its cephalic index (63.26±1.60). The orbit of the NIP appeared slightly oval in shape, having a relatively higher vertical diameter than the horizontal diameter. The mandibular length was statistically longer in male skulls (19.02±0.41cm) when compared to female skulls (18.04±0.26cm). The skull length showed a significant positive association with the skull width and the nasal bone length, while the foramen magnum width showed a significant positive association with the foramen magnum index. Data generated provide important information on the skull of NIP which can be used for comparative anatomical, developmental, forensic, and clinical studies.

Morphometric Study of Supra-meatal Triangle and Mastoid process in the Adult dry Skulls

Introduction: This study was done with an objective to do a craniometric study of supra meatal triangle and mastoid process to explore the variations as a determinant to sex. Methodology: A total of 47 skull bones formed our study sample which comprised of 31 males and 16 females Six landmarks were identifi ed on each side of the skulland measurements were taken using Digital Vernier caliper with precision of 0.01. Observations and Results: The area of supra-meatal triangle in male was 134.68± 21.69 mm3 on the right side and 134.17± 16.98 mm3 on the left side. In females the area of supra-meatal triangle was 114.82± 21.99 mm3 on right side and 122.46± 24.05 mm3 on the left side. In male skulls, the length, breadth and width of the mastoid process on the right side was 23.56 ± 2.88, 19.81 ± 2.49 and 11.46 ± 2.51 mm and the left side measurements were 23.33 ± 2.17, 18.93 ± 1.91 and 10.84 ± 2.39mm respectively. In females the length, breath and width of mastoid were 23.03 ± 2.94, 18.87 ± 2.42 and 10.03 ± 2.32 mm on right side and 22.06 ± 1.99, 17.85± 2.22 and 9.43 ± 1.89 mm in left side respectively. conclusion: In this present study the supra meatal triangle and all measurements of mastoid process were greater in males with the mastoid breadth and width showed statistically signifi cant values. The fi ndings can be applied to unknown skull samples or bone fragmentsand can provide insight to future studies of forensic anthropologists and ENT surgeons.

A common ecogeographic trend in the internal nasal cavity variation across Mesolithic to Bronze Age Eastern European and Caucasian populations

AbstractThe ecogeographic trends in the shape of the internal nasal cavity and external facial skeleton were explored in a sample of Mesolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Age skulls from Northeastern Europe and the Caucasus and tested against a background of the variation in recent populations from the same area. The volume, surface area, and several linear dimensions of the internal nasal cavity as well as a set of 3D landmarks of the external mid‐face were collected in a sample of computed tomography (CT) scans of 121 adult male skulls from six modern human populations of Eastern Europe, Anatolia, and Caucasus (74 individuals) and seven ancient burial sites (47 individuals). Various measures of the association between nasal cavity morphology and climate revealed moderate to high levels of correlation. The modern populations from colder climates and all but one ancient group display a substantial decrease in the nasal cavity heights and widths, volume and nasal protrusion, a relative narrowing of the nasal cavity, and a substantial increment in length of the maxillary part of the cavity. These groups also exhibit a less protruding external nose, smaller orbits, and a vertically taller zygomatic region. Our results show that the suite of morphological features associated with living in a cold climate is more strongly pronounced in ancient Europeans compared with the Medieval or modern groups of the same continent.

Enhancement and Communication of Ancient Human Remains through VR: The Case Study of Sexual Dimorphism in the Human Skull

Over the last years, the exponential progress of technology introduced a broader population of researchers and developers to the use of Virtual Reality (VR) devices in numerous contexts, e.g., gaming, simulations, and culture dissemination. Recently, cultural heritage has also been supported by motivational experiences and other improvements designed explicitly for specific users (visitors, researchers, and domain experts). In this context, we propose a protocol within a digital environment, using innovative, non-invasive, and non-destructive methods for the technological enhancement, education, and dissemination of ancient human remains. The presented case study is focused on sexual dimorphism in the human skull; several 3D models are digitally generated from female and male skull references exploiting an algorithmic approach with statistical analysis, e.g., Principal Component Analysis (PCA); then, the models are made available in a virtual environment with a Head Mounted Display (HMD) and can also be interacted with via a touchless approach (hands-free). Tests conducted with segmented populations provided promising results.

Geometric Morphometric Analysis of Skull in Honamli, Hair, Kilis and Saanen Goat Using Dorsal Landmarks

The aim of the study was to analyze the dorsal aspect of the skulls of Honamli, Hair, Kilis and Saanen goats by geometric morphometric method. A total of 48 adult goat skulls, 6 male and 6 female, were used for each breed. After the skulls were photographed dorsally, 10 homologous landmarks were marked. As a result of our study, the degree of dorsal separation of the skulls according to sex was found to be limited. Nevertheless, significant separation was seen in the Honamli skulls of females and in the Honamli and Saanen skulls of males. This information may serve as a reference for the skull remains of ruminants.