CEPHALIC INDEX Meaning and
Definition
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Cephalic index is a quantitative measure used in physical anthropology to assess and classify the shape and proportion of the human skull. It is defined as the ratio of the maximum width of the head to its maximum length, multiplied by 100. This index is helpful in categorizing and comparing different human populations based on their cranial features.
The cephalic index is obtained by measuring the skull from specific anatomical points and performing the necessary calculations. The resulting value is an indicator of the skull's tendencies towards certain shapes. It allows anthropologists to determine whether an individual has a short and broad (brachycephalic) skull, a long and narrow (dolichocephalic) skull, or a medium-shaped (mesocephalic) skull.
Cephalic index is widely used in anthropological studies to trace the origins, migrations, and evolutionary aspects of human populations. It helps anthropologists investigate and understand craniofacial variations within and between different geographic regions and ethnic groups. Furthermore, cephalic index plays a significant role in forensic anthropology, aiding in the identification and profiling of human remains.
It is important to note that the cephalic index does not provide a comprehensive analysis of an individual's characteristics or intelligence. Rather, it focuses solely on the relative proportions of the skull.
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The ratio of the maximum breadth to the maximum length of the skull, obtained by the formula breadth x 100/length.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CEPHALIC INDEX
- xephalic index
- vephalic index
- fephalic index
- dephalic index
- cwphalic index
- csphalic index
- cdphalic index
- crphalic index
- c4phalic index
- c3phalic index
- ceohalic index
- celhalic index
- ce-halic index
- ce0halic index
- cepgalic index
- cepbalic index
- cepnalic index
- cepjalic index
- cepualic index
Etymology of CEPHALIC INDEX
The word "cephalic index" is derived from two components: "cephalic" and "index".
1. "Cephalic" - This term is derived from the Greek word "kephalḗ", which means "head". It is used to denote anything related to the head or skull.
2. "Index" - This term is derived from the Latin word "indēx", which means "pointer" or "indicator". In this context, it refers to a numerical value or measurement used as an indicator or representation of a particular characteristic.
When combined, "cephalic index" refers to a numerical value or measurement used to assess or represent the shape and size of the human head or skull.
Similar spelling words for CEPHALIC INDEX
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