Author(s): Nair SK, Anjankar VP, Singh S, Bindra M, Satpathy DK
Background: Cephalic index is also called as cranial index or Index of breadth. It is calculated as the breadth of the skull multiplied by 100 divided by the length. Comparison of changes in cephalic index between parents, offspring and siblings can give a clue to genetic transmission of inherited characters.
Methods: This study was carried out on 480 medical students (296 male and 184 female students). The cranial index was measured using Hardlika’s method. Results: Maximum numbers of subjects were Mesocephalic (having cephalic index 75 – 79.9). 43.58% boys as well as 42.93% girls were mesocephalic. Mean cephalic index for boys was 81.24 ± 3.66 and for girls was 80.31 ± 4.28. Mean cephalic index irrespective of gender was found to be 81.21 ± 3.68.
Conclusion: Cephalic Index is the terminology used in Anthropology for having in easy identifying module or numerical to distinguish the given sample or individual, either into race or sex or even as identity of the individual. So it can be utilized in various anthropological studies.