MORPHOMETRIC EVALUATION OF FORAMEN MAGNUM FOR SEX DETERMINATION IN A DOCUMENTED NORTH INDIAN SAMPLE

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:
Dr. S.K. Jain,
Professor, Department of Anatomy,
TMMC & RC, TMU,
Moradabad, U.P.
Email – drskjain2005@rediffmail.com

ABSTRACT: Sex determination is used in anthropology, forensic medicine and medico-legal cases. It is (1) remarked that “next to the pelvis, the skull is the most easily sexed portion of the skeleton”. It has been suggested (2-5) that the measurements of the foramen magnum are useful for determining the sex. There are two osteological techniques used to determine the sex of an individual; the first is visual assessment to evaluate the morphological sex traits and second is the metrical, in which the skeletal assessment relies on methods based on measurements. The metric approach is more objective and less dependent on observer experience. AIM & OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is morphometric evaluation of foramen magnum dimensions in north Indian population and to use these dimensions for sex estimation. MATERIAL & METHOD: This study is conducted on 68 human adult skulls of known sex  collected from museum of anatomy department of TMMC & RC Moradabad and also from nearby medical colleges of  same geographical, cultural and climatic conditions. Well preserved cranial bases were used for this study. Digital stainless steel caliper, osteometric board and blunt craniophore were the instruments used in this study. ANALYTICAL TEST:  “t” test. RESULTS: The dimensions of the foramen magnum were significantly higher in men’s skulls. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that all values of female are lower than male values, which shows that these parameters are very important for sex determination and constitution of biological profile.

KEY WORDS: Foramen magnum, Morphometric & Sex determination.