Anatomical study to estimate cranial capacity in dry human skull bones

Abstract

Background: Cranial volume as an aspect of dimension equally expresses several degrees of growth and development and permits critical evaluation of unusually large, small or misshapen crania. Present study was aimed to anatomically estimate cranial capacity in dry human skull bones. Material and Methods: Present study was single-center, descriptive, observational study, conducted among known gender skulls, from the adult skulls (< 20 years) & intact without any damage. The cranial volume was measured by the Lee-Pearson formula. Results: In present study, 100 dry adult skulls were studied, 61 were of male while 39 of female. In male dry adult skulls, cranial length was 172.7±7.7 mm, cranial breadth was 133.5±7.1 mm, cranial height was 125.3±6.9 mm, cranial capacity was 1297.67±163.4 cc & cephalic index was 78.56±4.22%. In female dry adult skulls, cranial length was 168.4±9.3 mm, cranial breadth was 130.1±8.3 mm, cranial height was 123.5±8.7 mm, cranial capacity was 1241.63±133.3 cc & cephalic index was 76.05±2.34%. Majority skulls were Dolichocephalic (38), followed by Mesocephalic (33), Hyperdpolicocephalic (13), brachycephalic (10) & Hyperbrachycephalic (6). Conclusion: Significant difference was observed between male & female skulls, majority skulls were dolichocephalic. Study of cranial capacity is important for gender, racial differences in field of forensic science & anatomy.