Sexual Dimorphism in Adult Human Mandibles: a Southern Indian Study

• Main Authors: Najma Mobin, Sajja Keerthi Vathsalya
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: JCDR Research and Publications Pvt. Ltd. 2018-10-01
• Series: International Journal of Anatomy Radiology and Surgery
• Subjects: mandibles; sex determination; sexual dimorphism
• Online Access: http://www.ijars.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2018&month=October&volume=7&issue=4&page=AO15-AO21&id=2429

Introduction: The mandible is a Latin word which means lower jaw. The word mandible is derived from “Mandere” which means to chew. The mandible is the largest, strongest and lower jaw bone in the face. It has lower teeth and gives attachment to the muscles of mastication. Mandible is the best choice to determine the sex, since it resists environmental and post mortem changes. Aim: This study aimed to determine the important morphological and morphometric parameters in order to determine the sex of unknown mandibles belonging to the South Indian Population. Materials and Methods: Bones are very important tools for identification of deceased and sex determination; the pelvis and skull are the most reliable sources, in their absence the mandible becomes an important source. The mandible is the largest, strongest and hardest facial bone thus, can provide information about sexual dimorphism. A random collection of 120 adult, dry, undamaged Human Mandibles belonging to South Indian population were subjected to morphological and metrical parameters. Results: Around 5 morphological and 7 morphometric indicators were observed, measured and evaluated. Statistical analysis was done using student t-test, chisquare test and p-value. The mean values were higher among males as compared to females. The parameters showing extremely significant values in our study were Chin, Bigonial Diameter, and Divergence of Gonial Angle indicating that these can be of paramount importance in identifying the sex of unknown mandibles. Conclusion: Mandible can be considered as an important tool in the determination of sex with high accuracy and these morphological and morphometric indicators help us to determine the sex of adult human mandibles.