Pronunciation: [səɹˈiːbɹə͡l ˈɪndɛks] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "cerebral index" can be a bit tricky due to the unique sounds of each letter. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /səˈriːbrəl ˈɪndɛks/. The "c" in cerebral is pronounced as an "s" sound, while the "e" is a schwa vowel. The "d" in index is pronounced as a "t" sound, and the "x" is an "ks" sound. With practice, mastering the spelling of cerebral index will become second nature.
The cerebral index refers to a quantitative measurement used in anthropology and related fields to assess the shape and size of the human brain in relation to the overall body size. It is an index that compares the volume of the brain with the size of the body to provide insights into the relative development and proportionality of different species or individuals.
This index is calculated by dividing the cranial capacity or brain volume, typically measured in cubic centimeters (cc), by the weight or body size, often measured as the total body mass or length. The resulting value represents the degree of encephalization or cerebral development of the species or individual being studied.
A high cerebral index indicates a relatively larger brain size compared to the body, implying greater cognitive potential and intelligence. Conversely, a low cerebral index suggests that the brain is relatively smaller in proportion to body size.
The cerebral index serves as a valuable tool in comparative studies, allowing researchers to make meaningful observations about brain development and potential cognitive abilities across different groups. It provides a standardized approach to comparing brain size in different species or populations, facilitating research in fields such as evolutionary biology, paleoanthropology, and neurology. By assessing the cerebral index, scientists can gain insights into differences in cognitive abilities among different species or individuals and contribute to our understanding of brain evolution and its implications.
An i. obtained by the same formula as the cephalic i., the measurements being taken between the inner surfaces of the cranium.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
