How Do You Spell NASAL INDEX?

1. Nasal Index refers to a measurement used in anthropology and human biology to analyze and classify variations in the shape and size of the human nose. It is specifically calculated by comparing certain linear measurements of the nasal cavity to determine the nasal width in relation to its height.

   The nasal index is typically obtained by dividing the nasal width, which is measured as the distance between the two outermost points of the nasal aperture (nostrils), by the nasal height, measured vertically from the base of the nostrils to the highest point of the nasal bridge or the nasion. The resulting ratio is then multiplied by 100 to express it as a percentage.

   The nasal index is considered a significant characteristic for understanding and categorizing human populations. It allows for the classification of nasal shapes into various categories, such as leptorrhine, mesorrhine, and platyrrhine, which are determined by the degree of nasal width compared to height. These classifications assist in differentiating nasal features among different ethnic groups and identifying evolutionary patterns.

   For instance, a low nasal index indicates a narrow and high-nosed structure (leptorrhine), while a high nasal index suggests a wider and shorter nose (platyrrhine). This measurement has been used in various studies to explore human evolution, racial differences, and to identify important characteristics in paleoanthropology and forensic science when analyzing skeletal remains.

2. Relation of the greatest width of the nasal aperture to the length of a line from the nasion to the lower border of the nasal aperture, the former being regarded as 100; = nasal widthx100/nasal height.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for NASAL INDEX

The term "nasal index" comes from a combination of two words— "nasal" and "index".

1. "Nasal" refers to the nose or the nasal cavity. It is derived from the Latin word "nasus" meaning "nose".

2. "Index" is derived from the Latin word "indicō", meaning "to point out" or "to show". In this context, it refers to a measurement or ratio that indicates or quantifies something.

Therefore, "nasal index" can be understood as a measurement or index related to the nose, specifically referring to the ratio or measurement of certain nasal features in anthropological or anatomical studies.