Observations on Symmetry and Sexual Dimorphism from Morphometrics of Foramen Magnum and Orbits In Adult Bengali Population

Human body exhibits bilateral symmetry along the sagittal plane. Symmetry in nature is approximate. Human bones show sexual dimorphism. Determination of sex is necessary from skeletal remains for establishment of an identity. In this study conducted on 53 skulls, the measurements of foramen magnum and orbits were taken by digital slide calipers. The mean length, breadth and areas calculated from Radinsky and Texeria formulae for male skulls were 3.4 cm, 2.8 cm, 7.52 cm² and 7.6 cm² and those for female skulls were 3.3 cm, 2.74 cm, 7.15 cm² and 7.22 cm² respectively. The orbital indices for the male skulls fall in the Mesoseme category (86.89) while that for the female skulls fall in the Megaseme category (90.31). Asymmetry exists between right and left orbits of each individual. The interorbital distance between male and female skulls were significantly different and may be used as an indicator for sex determination from skulls.

This study conducted first time on Bengali population aims for formation of a craniometric database; provide clues on facial asymmetry for facial reconstructions and superimposition and newer methods for determination of sex from dry adult cranial bones.