CRANIAL CAPACITY Meaning and
Definition
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Cranial capacity refers to the measurement and quantification of the volume or size of the interior space within the skull, particularly the brain cavity. It is a term used in the field of physical anthropology and neurology to describe the capacity or space available within the cranium to accommodate the brain.
Measured in cubic centimeters (cc) or milliliters (ml), cranial capacity is often regarded as a general indicator of brain size and, to some extent, cognitive ability. It is determined by extrapolating the dimensions of the brain cavity by filling it with substances such as seeds, beads, or water, and then measuring the volume displaced.
Cranial capacity can vary greatly across different species, but within humans, there is also substantial variation. On average, adult humans have a cranial capacity ranging from approximately 1000cc to 2000cc, with males typically having slightly larger capacities than females. It is important to note, however, that cranial capacity alone does not solely determine intelligence or cognitive function. Other factors, such as the structure and organization of the brain, also play a crucial role in determining intellectual abilities.
Anthropologists and paleontologists often analyze cranial capacity to gain insights into human evolution, as changes in cranial capacity over time may indicate evolutionary developments related to brain expansion and intellectual capabilities. Studying cranial capacity can provide valuable information about the biological and physiological aspects of human brain development and evolutionary history.
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The cubic content of the skull; obtained by determining the cubage of small shot, seeds, or beads required to fill the skull.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CRANIAL CAPACITY
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Etymology of CRANIAL CAPACITY
The word "cranial" originates from the Latin word "cranium", which means "skull". The term "capacity" derives from the Latin word "capacitas", which means "ability" or "capability". Hence, the etymology of the word "cranial capacity" combines the Latin roots for "skull" and "ability" to refer to the measure of the brain's volume or size within the skull.
