A Statistical Analysis of Cephalic Index of the Different Communities of Assam Brought for Autopsy at Department of Forensic Medicine, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital

Abstract

Cephalic Index also known as ‘Cranial Index’ or ‘Index of Breadth’ is one of the important parameters that help to differentiate human races. The cephalic index was first described by a Swedish anatomist, Anders Retzius (1796–1860) and was first used in physical anthropology in classifying ancient human remains of Europe. It is one such data obtained from skull which can aid in identification of a particular race or community, describe individual’s appearances and estimating the age of foetuses for legal and obstetrical reasons. It is the ratio between the maximum breadth of the skull measured from the two parietal eminences and the maximum length of the skull between the glabella and the occiput. The three categories of cephalic index are Dolichocephalic (CI of 70–74.9), observed among the Aborigines and pure Aryans, Mesocephalic (CI of 75–79.9), characteristic of the Europeans and Chinese and Brachycephalic (CI of 80–84.9), observed in the Mongolian race [2].In our study we found that 48% of Assamese general population belong to mesocephalic head type with the mean cephalic index of 76.8, majority of 58% OBC had mesocephalic head type with mean cephalic index of 77.09, 55.56% scheduled caste and 42% of scheduled tribe had mesocephalic head type. The overall cephalic index of mesocephalic group was 76.71. A proper knowledge of the cephalic index would assist in forensic identification and investigation and aid the experts in medico-legal practice.

Keywords: Cephalic Index, race, identification, ANOVA

Cite this Article

Jonathan Terang, Biswadeep Paul. A Statistical Analysis of Cephalic Index of the Different Communities of Assam Brought for Autopsy at Department of Forensic Medicine, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Toxicology. 2018; 8(2): 31–37p.