METAFACIAL ANGLE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "metafacial angle" refers to a measurement used in anthropology and human anatomy to describe the angle between the facial outline and the nasal profile of an individual. It is an important indicator of the shape and structure of the face, specifically the relationship between the forehead, nose, and the lower facial region.
To measure the metafacial angle, two points are identified: one on the frontal bone at the level of the forehead and the other on the mid-line of the nasal profile. A third point is taken at the vertex, which is the highest point on the head. The angle formed by connecting these three points provides the metafacial angle.
The metafacial angle can vary significantly among individuals and populations, and it has been found to have significance in studies related to human evolution and facial morphology. This angle can provide insights into the overall facial characteristics as well as factors such as facial projection, facial convexity, and the relative positioning and proportions of the forehead and nasal region.
Anthropologists and anatomists employ the metafacial angle to compare and analyze facial structures within and between different populations, assessing possible variations in facial development and its evolutionary implications. Additionally, this angle is also utilized in specialized medical fields such as plastic surgery and craniofacial surgery, aiding in the evaluation of facial asymmetry or deformities. The metafacial angle acts as an essential tool in understanding and classifying the human face's anatomical features and their variations.
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Serres' a., angle between the pterygoid processes and the base of the skull.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for METAFACIAL ANGLE
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Etymology of METAFACIAL ANGLE
The word "metafacial angle" is a combination of two terms: "meta-" and "facial angle".
"Meta-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "meta" meaning "beyond" or "transcending". It is commonly used in scientific and technical terminology to refer to concepts that are abstract, self-referential, or in some way going beyond the immediate subject. In this case, it suggests that the facial angle being referred to is not just a regular or typical facial angle.
"Facial angle" refers to a measurement used in anthropometry, which is the study of human physical variations and their measurement. The facial angle specifically involves measuring the angle between two specific points on a person's face, such as the forehead and the upper jaw.
