ETHMOCRANIAL ANGLE Meaning and
Definition
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The ethmocranial angle refers to the measurement of the angle formed between the base of the skull, specifically the undersurface of the anterior cranial fossa, and the perpendicular projection of the ethmoid bone. This angle is primarily utilized in the field of forensic anthropology and has proven to be a useful tool in determining human age at death.
The ethmocranial angle reflects the development and maturation of the anterior cranial fossa, which houses the frontal lobes of the brain. During childhood and adolescence, this angle gradually decreases as the frontal lobes increase in size and undergo maturation. As a person reaches adulthood, the angle stabilizes and remains relatively constant throughout their life.
By measuring the ethmocranial angle, forensic anthropologists can estimate the age at death of an individual. This is particularly valuable in cases where skeletal remains are found, as it provides important insights into the biological profile of the deceased. It helps establish whether the individual is a child, adolescent, or an adult, which aids in narrowing down potential matches in missing persons' cases.
In summary, the ethmocranial angle is an anatomical measurement used in forensic anthropology to estimate the age at death by examining the angle between the base of the skull and the ethmoid bone. It provides crucial information for forensic investigations and helps in determining the developmental stage and age range of an individual.
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The angle made by the plane of the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone extended to meet the basicranial axis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ETHMOCRANIAL ANGLE
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- e thmocranial angle
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Etymology of ETHMOCRANIAL ANGLE
The term "ethmocranial angle" is a combination of the words "ethmo" and "cranial" with the suffix "-angle".
1. Ethmo: The word "ethmo" is a short form of "ethmoid", which refers to the ethmoid bone. The ethmoid bone is a delicate, spongy bone located between the eye sockets, forming part of the walls and roof of the nasal cavity.
2. Cranial: "Cranial" pertains to the cranium, which is the skull. Specifically, it refers to anything related to the cranium or the skull.
3. Angle: The term "angle" denotes the angle formed between two lines or surfaces coming together.
