Paper No.

: 13 Research Methods and Field work

Module : 09 Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Development Team

Principal Investigator Prof. Anup Kumar Kapoor

Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi

Dr. P. Venkatramana
Paper Coordinator
Faculty of Anthropology, School of Social Sciences,
IGNOU, Delhi

Dr. P. Venkatramana
Content Writer Faculty of Anthropology, School of Social Sciences,
IGNOU, Delhi

Dr. Rashmi Sinha

Content Reviewer Faculty of Anthropology, School of Social Sciences,
IGNOU, Delhi
1

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 Description of Module

Subject Name Anthropology

Paper Name Research Methods and Field work

Module Name/Title Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Module Id 09

Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Anthropometry
3. Somatometry
3.1 Instruments used in Somatometry
3.2 Guidelines for measurements of Somatometric parameters
3.2.1. Anatomical landmarks
3.2.2. List of Landmarks and their description
3.2.3. List of Somatometric parameters and instruments used
3.2.4. Indices
4. Somatoscopy
4.1. Somatoscopic parameters
4.1.2. Importance of ear in medical practice and forensic application
Summary

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 Learning Objectives:
 To discuss the definitions of somatometry and somatoscopy;
 To study the importance, applications and instruments used in somatometry;
 To understand the anatomical landmarks;
 To know the list of somatometric parameters and indices used for studying physical
status and instruments employed;
 To understand the clinical and forensic application of information on external ear

1. Introduction
Physical Anthropologists employ various tools to study human biological variation such as
anthropometry, serology, dermatoglyphics, mitochondrial haplotypes, single nucleotide
polymorphisms, gene and genome sequencing. Anthropologists used anthropometry and morphological
traits (hair, skin, ear lobe etc.,) in earlier research studies to classify humans in to races but still
reported in research journals as tools to study population variation in nutritional status assessment and
in association with disease conditions.

2. Anthropometry
Anthropometry refers to the measurements of the human body. Anthropometry is categorized into
three groups for convenience. They are somatometry (measurement on living human body), osteometry
(measurement on skeletal long and short bones) and craniometry (measurement on the skull).

3. Somatometry
Measurements on the living human is made using well defined anatomical landmarks. Somatometry is
useful to compare different populations, designing aircrafts, space ships, furniture and uniforms to
defense and paramilitary personnel; assessment of nutritional status; to study the effect of
interventions; developing non-invasive markers for diagnosis; to formulate policy and; to understand
micro-evolutionary process as they are reflected in genetic and morphological traits in human
3

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 populations (Bhasin, 2006). Variations in human body dimensions are hypothesized to be due to
interaction of environment with biological, nutritional, economic and cultural factors (Bhasin, 2006).
Somatometric studies in India have shown that on an average Indians have medium height (163.06
cm), mesocephalic (Cephalic index: 76.06); mesorrhine (nasal index:75.53) and mesoprosopic (facial
index:86.34); (Bhasin,2006).

3.1 Instruments used in somatometry

Anthropometer: This instrument consists of four calibrated segments. First segment is called Rod
Compass. All segments when combined show the scale of 200cm. It has two sleeves i.e. upper fixed
sleeve and a movable sleeve. Cross bars are inserted through the sleeves and the measurements are
made (Figure1).

Rod compass

Figure1: Anthropometer
Source: http://www.seritex.com/gpm-anthropometer-100/)

Spreading Caliper: This instrument is available in two sizes i.e 25 cm and 60 cm. The spreading
calipers are made with blunt or rounded ends and sharp or pointed ends. The spreading caliper with
rounded or blunted ends is used to make measurements on living human being, whereas, the spreading
caliper with sharp or pointed end is employed to record measurements on skeletons (Figure 2 and 3).
4

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 Figure 2: Spreading caliper with blunt or rounded ends
Source: http://dksh.com/cs/dksh_id/en/industries/business-line/tec-ai/anthropological-instruments

Figure 3: Spreading caliper with sharp or pointed ends

Source: http://dksh.com/cs/dksh_id/en/industries/business-line/tec-ai/anthropological-instruments

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 Sliding caliper: The slider caliper is used for measuring breadths of short distance. The fixed and
sliding arm have both sharp and blunted ends. The sharp ends and blunted are for measurements on
skeleton and living human being, respectively (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Sliding caliper

Source: http://dksh.com/cs/dksh_id/en/industries/business-line/tec-ai/anthropological-instrument

Skinfold caliper: The caliper is used for measuring thickness of skin fold at various sites of the body
and provide information about the amount of subcutaneous fat at each measurable site. A pressure of
10gm/mm2 is used at the contact surface of the arms ranging from 20-40mm2 (Figure 5).

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 Figure 5: Skin fold calipers
Source: : http://www.slideshare.net/ektabelwal/nutritional-anthropometry

Tape: It has a width of 1 cm and graduations in mm. The tape is made up of steel. All girth
measurements are made using the tape.

Goniometer: This instrument has round upper shape and bottom straight base. On the round shape
graduations are given in mm. It has a movable needle. A protractor is attached to the base. The

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 Presence of slot with spring and screws allows the attachment with instruments like sliding or
spreading calipers (Figure 6).

Figure 6: Goniometer
Source: http://www.exportersindia.com/supertechsurgicals/goniometer-new-delhi-india-305697.htm

3.2.Guidelines for measurements of somatometric parameters: Measurements are recorded in

standing position with minimal clothing without shoes and head should be in ear-eye plane (Frankfurt
plane). Measurements are generally made on the right side of the body unless there is evidence of
extra musculature in which case, measurements should be made on left side. In case of infants or
children, measurements can be made by advising them to sit on a stool of 40 cm height. The allowed
personal errors for various measurements are of the following: head measurement (0.5-1.0mm); head
height (2.0 mm); most of the body measurements (3.0-5.0mm), weight (0.1kg); stature, arm span (10.0
mm) and skinfold thickness (1mm). It should be ensured that zero is set while taking measurements
on weighing scale and skinfold caliper.

3.2.1. Anatomical landmarks: It may be defined as any anatomic feature such as fold, prominence,
duct, vessel consistently present in a tissue that serves to indicate a specific structure or position
(Medical dictionary). These anatomical landmarks are used to make measurements of somatometric

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 parameters. There are several landmarks used in Somatometry. Some of the landmarks are given
below:

3.2.2. List of Landmarks and their description:

Landmark Description
Acromion Lateral point on the lateral margin of the
acromial process
Acropodion Distal point on the toe-cap of the first or
second toe
Alare Lateral point on the nasal wing
Euryon Lateral point on the sides of the head
Glabella Point between the eye brow ridges above nasal
root
Gnathion Point on the lower margin of the lower jaw at
mid-saggital plane
Gonion Lowest posterior and most lateral point on the
angle of the lower jaw
Inion Point on tuberculum linearum on posterior
protuberance in mid-saggital plane
Mesosternale Point on the anterior border of the sternum in
mid-saggital plane
Metopion Point on the highest projection of the frontal
protuberance in mid-saggital plane
Nasion Point on the nasal root in mid-saggital plane
Pronasale Anterior point on the tip of the nose
Prosthion Point on the lower margin of the gums of the
upper jaw in mid-saggital plane

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 Pternion Hind most point on the heel of the stretched
foot
Radiale Highest point on the upper margin of the
radiale capitulum
Subnasale Point at the lower margin of the nasal septum
meets the integument of upper lip
Substernale Lowest point at the lower edge of the sternum
in mid-saggital plane
Thelion Point at the middle of the nipple
Tibiale Highest point on the inner glenoidal margin of
the head of tibia
Tragion Point on the upper margin of tragus 1-2 cm
below the helix spine
Vertex Highest point on the head
Zygion Lateral point on the zygomatic arch

3.2.3 A list of some of the somatometric measurements with land marks and instruments used is
presented below:
Mesurement Landmarks Instrument used
Height Vertex or Stature Vertex-Floor Anthropometer
Arm Span Dactylia of one arm-dactylia of other Anthropometer
arm
Sitting Height Vertex Vertex-Sitting surface of the subject Anthropometer
Sitting Height Acromion Acromion-Sitting surface of the Anthropometer
or Shoulder Height subject
Sitting
Biacromial Breadth or Distance between two Acromia Rod Compass

10

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 Shoulder Breadth
Traverse Chest Breadth Laterally placed points of the ribs at Rod Compass
the height of mesosternale
Sagittal Chest Depth Mesosternale-Horizantally placed Rod Compass
point in the vertebral column
Waist Breadth Straight distance between the two Rod Compass
most laterally placed points on the
contour of the tunk when abdomen is
relaxed
Bi-Cristal Breadth Straight distance between the two Rod Compass
iliocristralia
Hip Breadth or Straight distance between the most Rod Compass
Bitrochanteric Breadth lateral points on the bumps
Total Arm Length or Straight distance between acromion- First two segments of
Length of the Upper dactylion Anthropometric Rod
Limb
Arm Length without Straight distance between acromion Rod compass
Hand and stylion
Length of Upper Arm Straight distance between acromion Rod compass
and radiale
Length of Forearm Straight distance between radiale and Rod compass
sternum
Length of Hand Straight distance between the Sliding caliper
midpoint of line joing the two stylion
and dactylion of the middle finger
Length of Thumb Straight distance between phalangion Sliding caliper
I of the thumb and dactylion of the

11

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 same
Hand Breadth Straight distance between metacarpal Sliding caliper
radialis and metacarpal ulnare
Length of Foot Straight distance between metatarsal Sliding caliper
tibiale and metatarsal fibulare
Breadth of Foot Straight distance between metatarsal Sliding caliper
tibiale and metatarsal fibulare
Chest Girth Circumference of the chest when Tape
breathing normally. Recorded at both
1.Chest Girth Inspiration inspiration and expiration.
Recorded when subject inhale as
2.Chest Girth much as possible and highest value is
Expiration noted
Recorded when subject exhale and
the least value is noted
Waist Girth Circumference of the abdomen at the Tape
most lateral contour of the body
between the ribs and intestine
Hip Girth Circumference of the hips at their Tape
widest portion
Maximum Girth of the Circumference of the upper arm at Tape
Upper arm the maximal development of biceps
muscles
Maximum Girth of Maximum circumference of the Tape
Forearm lower arm under the elbow joint
Least Girth of the Least cricumferne of the forearm Tape
Forearm or Girth of proximal to the styloid process

12

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 Wrist
Maximum Girth of Circumference at the lowest point in Tape
Thigh the gluteal furrow and horizontal to
the thigh
Maximum Calf Girth Circumference where calf muscles Tape
are most developed
Body weight Total body weight. Measuring should Weighing machine
be avoided in post meal
Biceps skin fold Back of upper arm Skin fold caliper
thickness
Triceps skin fold Back of upper arm over the triceps Skin fold caliper
thickness muscles
Subscapular skin fold Below the inferior angle of scapula Skin fold caliper
thickness
Chest skin fold thickness Long axis running from the top Skin fold caliper
of the anterior axillary fold to the
nipple
Suprailiac skin fold Above iliac crest Skin fold caliper
thickness
Abdomen skin fold 1 cm below umbilicus and 3cm Skin fold caliper
thickness lateral
Maximum Head Length Straight distance between glabella Spreading caliper with
and opisthocaranion blunt ends

Glabella-Inion Length Straight distance between glabella Spreading caliper with

and inion blunt ends
Maximum Head Breadth Straight distance between the two Spreading caliper with

13

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 eurya blunt ends
Minimum Frontal Straight distance between the two Spreading caliper with
Breadth frontotempoalia blunt ends
Bi-Auricular Breadth or Straight distance between the two Spreading caliper with
Bi-Tragion Breadth tragia blunt ends
Breadth of Bizygomatic Straight distance between the two Spreading caliper with
Arch zygia blunt ends
Bi-Gonial Breadth Straight distance between the two Spreading caliper with
gonia blunt ends
Nasal Breadth Straight distance between the two Sliding caliper with flat
alaria arm
Auricular Height or Projective distance between tragion Rod compass with head
Head Height and vertex height needle
Total Head Height Projective distance between vertex Rod campass
and gnathion
Physiognomic Facial Straight distance between trichion Sliding caliper
Height and gnathion
Morphological Facial Staright distance between nasion and Sliding caliper
Height or Total Facial gnathion
Height
Physiognomic Upper Straight distance between nasion and Sliding caliper
Facial Height stomion
Morphological Upper Straight distance between nasion and Sliding caliper
Facial Height prosthion
Nasal Height Straight distance between nasion and Sliding caliper
subnasale
Nasal Depth Projective distance between tip of the Sliding caliper

14

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 nose and hind-most of the nasal
septum
Nasal Length or Length Straight distance between nasion and Sliding caliper
of Nose pronasale

Landmarks are given in Figures 7.

Figure 7. Land marks

Adapted from Singh and Bhasin (1989)

15

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 Using the somatometric measurements, a number of indices can be calculated. Some of the important
indices are specified below:

3.2.4. Indices
Relative Upper Extremities Indices or Upper Extremities-Stature Indices:
a.Arm Length without Hand X100
Height Vertex

b. Lenth of Upper Arm X 100

Height Vertex

Relative Lower Extremities Indices or Lower-Extremities – Stature Indices:

a. Leg length without Foot X 100

Height Vertex

b. Length of Thigh X 100

Height Vertex

Relative Biacromial Breadth Index or Biacromial Breadth-Stature Index:

Biacromial Bredth X 100

Height Vertex

Relative Chest Girth Index or Chest Girth-Stature Index:

16

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 Chest Girth X 100
Height Vertex

Circumference of Arm Index:

Maximum Girth of Upper Arm X 100

Maximum Girth of Fore arm

Mammillo-Acromial Index :

Bithelion Breadth X 100

Biacromial Breadth

1. Ponderal Index:

1000 X 3

Height Vertex

Cephalic Index:

Maximum Head Breadth X 100

Maximum Head Length
Physiognomic Facial Index:
Physiognomic Facial Height X 100
Breadth of Bizygomatic Arch

17

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 Morphological Facial Height:
Morphological Facial Height X 100
Breadth of Bizygomatic Arch
Morphological Upper Facial Index:
Morphological Upper Facial Height X 100
Breadth of Bizygomatic Arch
Upper Facial Index:
Physiognomic Upper Facial Height X 100
Physiognomic Facial Height
Sagital Naso-Facial Index:
Nasal Height X 100
Morphological Facial Height
Jugo-Mandibular Index:
Bigonial Breadth X 100
Breadth of Bizygomatic Arch
Vertical Cephalo-facial Index:
Morphological Facial Height X 100
Head Height
Nasal Index:
Nasal Breadth X 100
Nasal Height

4. Somatoscopy
Somatoscopy is the observation and description of morphological features of individuals (Singhai,
2014). Somatoscopic observations earlier were used to classify humans in to races and to study
variations among human populations. Somatoscopic observations are human traits which cannot be
presented in numbers and but can be described using standard charts and models developed by
pioneers like Brown, Steindamm, Ackermann, Martin, Saller, Erhardt, Schultz, Ziegelmayer,
18

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 Weninger, Topinard. Morphological triats have forensic application such as identification of suspected
person; clinical applications like reconstruction of deformed body parts and identification of
abnormalities for example Edward’s cleft lip/cleft palate syndrome (Singh and Purkait, 2009).
Morphological methods are useful to study the correlation of structure and function of human body
(Singh and Bhasin, 1989). For studying the morphological traits among human populations, close-up
photographs are taken and humans are classified.

Human beings can be classified into different groups based on somatoscopic variables like body
postures, upper and lower extremities with hand and foot, fingers, foot, toes, skin colour, hair, head
and face, eyes, nose, lips, etc.

4.1. List of Somatoscopic parameters

Skin Colour: To study the skin colour on human subjects, the observable body parts are forehead,
cheeks, chest, abdomen above the navel, shoulder blades, axis of the upper arm, inner side of the upper
arm, palm and inner side of thigh and sole. If for some cultural reasons the above body parts are not
allowed to be seen by the researchers, the investigator can make observations at least on forehead and
inner side of the upper arm. Human skin colour differs from dark in Africans to very light or weight in
Celtics. Various factors influence the skin colour such as melanin, hemoglobin, the level of blood
oxygenation, chromophores, oils, soaps, presence of wrinkles, larger growth of hair, disease,
malnutrition and change of climate has been shown to affect skin colour(Singh and Bhasin,1989;
Treesirichod et al., 2014). Skin colour of the subject can be determined by matching with shades in
chart developed by Taylor, Luschan, Broca, Fritsch, Hintz and Schultz. Skin colour can also be
determined spectrophotometrically (Minolta chromameter and Mexa meter) (Treesirichod et al., 2014)
and also using photographs. In Felix von Luschan skin color chart, the skin colour ranges from 1 to 36.
(Figure 8).

19

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 Figure 8. Felix von Luschan skin color chart adapted from Treesirichod et al., 2014

The skin sites evaluated for skin colur include midpoint between the elbow and the wrist on the medial
aspect of the volar regions and the medial aspect of the dorsal regions of both forearm (Treesirichod et
al., 2014). The codes used for skin colur in this chart include (1, 2: Yellowish White; 3: Carmine
White; 4,5: Yellowish; 6: Light Brown;7,8: Fawn White;9-11:Carmine White; 12,13: Pinkish
White;14-29: Light Brown to Brown;30,31: Dark Brown;32: Reddish Brown; 33,34:Dark
Brown;35:Greyish Black and 36: Black) (Singh and Bhasin, 1989).
Hair: Form, colour, texture, quantity and presence of whorls in hair can be used to classify human
subjects. The body parts where hair can be observed includes hair on head, beard, genitals, eye lashes,
eye-brow ridges, face. If for some cultural reasons, subjects may not be allow certains parts of the body
too be seen by the investigator then the research can make observations on head and face.
20

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 Hair Colour: Several researchers have proposed hair colour charts such as Fischer and Saller,
Tisserand and Fischer and Schultz. According Fischer and Saller hair colour table there are 30
different shades of natural hair colour. Factors like hair oil, perfumes, dyes, malnutrition,light,
air and sea water have been observed to influence the hair colour.
Fischer and Saller hair colour classification (Figure 9)

Figure 9: Hair colour classification given Fischer and Saller

Source: https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/lab/forensic-science-
communications/fsc/july2000/ubelaker.htm/ubelake1.htm

Blond Dark Brown Red

21

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 A: Ash Blond M-O: Dark Blond I-IV: Red
B-E: Light blond P-T: Brown V-VI: Reddish Brown
F-L: Blond U-Y: Dark Brown

Hair Form: There are three hair forms like straight or sleek, wavy and Frizzly.Water, soap and
artificial curling have been shown to influence hair form
(a)Staight (Thicker) or Sleek (thinner) (Lissortrichous)
(b)Wavy(Cymatotrichous): Flat or Broad or Narrow waved or curly
(c) Frizzly(Ulotrichous): Closer or Wider knit or Pepper-corn or Spiral
Hair Texture : It is of three types i.e Coarse or Medium or Fine
Quantity: Based on quantity, humans can be classified as Thin or Medium or Normal or Thick
or Dense.
Presence of hair whorls: Presence of hair whorls can be categorized based on quantity or
direction
(a) Quantitity: Single or Double or Multiple
(b) Direction: Clockwise or Anticlockwise

Head and Face: Human beings can be classified in to different somatscopic groups based on vertex,
occiput, total face and forehead features in head and face.
(1) Vertex
(a) Curve: Flat or Slight or Medium or Well-arched
(b) Shape: Ovoid or Pentagonoid or Elliptical or Sphenoid
(2) Occiput :
(a) Projection: Flat or Moderate bulging or Strong bulging
(b) Shape: Barrel or Gable shape
(3) Total Face:
(a) Height: Long or Medium or Short
(b) Diameter: Narrow or Medium or Broad or Very Broad
22

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 (c) Shape: Quite Flat or medium or Arched or Projected
(d) Frontal Outline of the Face: Eliptical or Oval or Round or Square or Quadrangular or
Rhomboid or Trapezoid or Pentagonoid (Figure 10)

Figure 10: Face shapes

(Source: https://www.tumblr.com/search/face%20shapes)

Eyes: Human beings can be classified based eye opening axis, direction and folds of the eye.
(a) Eye Opening Axis: Horizontal or Slanting or Oblique
(b) Direction: Outwards or Inwards
(c) Eye folds: Slight or Heavy or Deckfalte or Mongoloid or Epicanthous (Figure 11)

Figure 11: Epicanthic fold

Source: http://s1.zetaboards.com/anthroscape/topic/4840284/1/

23

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 1. Nose: There are seven observable variables in nose structure such as nasal root, nasal bridge,
tip of the nose, nasal wings or alae, nasal septum, nasal cavity or surface of nasal cavity
(Figure 12).

1. Nasal Root:
(a) Height above Inner Angle of Eye: High or Medium or Low
(b) Depth from Glabella: High or Medium or Deep
(c ) Breadth: Broad or Medium Broad or Narrow
( d) Shape: Quite Flat or Flat or Medium or High or Very High
2. Nasal Bridge:
(a) Projection: Upwards or Downwards
(b) Shape from Profile: Concave or Verticle or Convex
(c ) Nasal Bridge Profile: Continuous or Wavy or Angular

Figure 12: Nose

Source: http://shieldgraft.blogspot.in/2010/12/nomenclature-of-nose-this-could-be.html
24

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 3. Tip of Nose:
(a) Projection: Upwards or Downwards
(b) Profile of Tip: Rounded at point or Fully Rounded or Flat
4. Nasal Wings or Alae:
(a) Thickness: Thick or Medium or Thin
(b) Height: Height or Low
(c ) Bulge: Slight Flat or Slight or Strongly Bulging

5. Nasal Septum:
(a) Size: Long or Medium or Short
(b) Breadth: Narrow or Broad
(c ) Direction: Upwards or Downwards or Horizontal
( d) Profile: Septum Visibible or Not

6. Nasal Cavity:
(a) Shape and Size: Very Narrow or Narrow or Long Oval or Short Oval or Round
or Broad or Very Broad
(b ) Size and Length: Small or Big

7. Surface of Nasal Cavity: Horizontal or Projecting Downwards or Upwards

2. Lips: For classification of human beings, both upper and lower lip are studied separately. Within
each lip, three features namely form, mebral lip and mentolabial fold are observed. The meaning
of integumentary meaning is pertaining to or composed of skin.
(1) Integumental Upper Lip:
(a) Form: Straight or Convex or Concave
(b) Membral Lip: Thin or Medium or Thick or Puffed-up
(c) Mentolabial Fold: High or Medium or Low
25

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 (2) Integumental Lower Lip:
(a) Form: Straight or Bulging Downwards
(b) Membral Lip: Thin or Medium or Thick or Puffed
(c) Mentolabial Fold: High or Medium or Low
(1) Prognathism (Figure 13) ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iCbxbgzsuE):
(a) Type: Alveolar or Facial
(b) Size: Slight or Medium or Marked

Figure 13: Prognathism

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iCbxbgzsuE

26

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 3. External Ear (Figure 14):

Figure 14: External ear

Source: http://health-advisors.org/outer-ear-diagram/outer-ear-diagram-2/

(1) Ear Lobe:

(a) Presence: Present or Absent
(b) Size: Long or Medium or Short
(c) Shape: Tongue-shaped or Triangular or Square or Arched
(d) Thickness: Thick or Medium or Thin
(e) Attachment: Free or Attached
(f) If Attached: One quarter or Half or One Third or Two Third or Three Quarters or Fully
Attached
(2) Darwin’s Tubercle: Present or Absent
(3) Antihelix Curvature: Strong or Medium or Weak

27

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
 (4) Antitragus: Strong or Weak or Angularly Developed
(5) Helix and Antihelix: Equal to each other or Narrower or Broader
(6) Tragus and Antitragus:
(a) Size: Small or Weak or Medium
(b) Shape: Long or Round or Knob-shaped
(7) Scaphoid:
(a) Size: Broad or Middle or Narrow
(b) Shape: Flat or Medium or Deep

4.1.2. Importance of ear in medical practice and forensic application:

Low set ears defined as upper edge of the auricle is below the exocanthion level and lower edge below
the chelion level. Low set ears are used for diagnosis of congenital anomalies like Patau syndrome and
Edward syndrome. Ear provide the supplementary information about the person’s identity and also
serve as biometric triat to strengthen the primary biometric system. The famous sandalwood smuggler
Veerappan’s dead body, was confirmed by observation of ear available in the ante and post-mortem
photographs by forensic people. It was reported that Veerappan had unique ear characteristic such as a
flat tragus contiguous with the curved portion of the helix and enlarged and squarish lobule, which
served as marker to identify him (Singh and Purkait, 2009).

Summary
 Physical anthropology is a study of human biology within the frame work of evolution.
Physical anthropologists study human variation to obtain clues about how humans adapted to
the environment over time. Various tools are employed by physical anthropologists to
understand variation like anthropometry, serology, dermatoglyphics, mitochondrial haplotypes,
single nucleotide polymorphisms, gene and genome sequencing. Physical anthropologists used
anthropometry earlier to classify human beings into races. Physical anthropologist employ
somatometric and somatoscopic approaches to study human variation.

28

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology
  Somatometry is defined as measurement on living human body and somatoscopy is the
description of visible morphological traits.
 Measurements on the living human is made using well defined anatomical landmarks.
 For somatometric measurements, various instruments are used and they include anthropometer,
head height needle, spreading caliper, sliding caliper, skinfold caliper, tape and goniometer etc.,
 Measurements are made on standing position with minimal clothing without shoes and head
should be in ear-eye plane (Frankfurt plane). Measurements are generally made on the right
side of the body
 In human body, 55 landmarks are well defined starting from acromion to zygion.
 One hundred twenty six somatometric parameters are reported on living human body.
 Fifty indices are reported using somatometric parameters to classify human beings into
different groups.
 Somatoscopic observations are visible morphological traits which can be confirmed by using
models and charts. The somotoscopic traits have clinical applications for describing congenital
anomalies and forensic applications. The list of somatoscopic traits includes skin colour, hair,
head and face, cheeks, eyes, nose, lips, mouth, teeth, lip etc.,

29

Techniques of Somatometry & Somatoscopy

Anthropology