Determining Ethnicity skull

Definitions Nasal index – the ratio W/L (opening) Nasal spine – located at the base of the nasal cavity Nasal silling or guttering – on the base of the nasal cavity; there will be sharp ridges (nasal silling), rounded ridges or no ridges (nasal guttering) Prognathism – extended jaw

Caucasian Nasal Index Longer and more narrow

Negroid Nasal Index Shorter and wider

Mongoloid Nasal Index Moderate; variable

Nasal Spines Caucasian African Asian Caucasian – usually prominent spine African – usually small spine Asian – usually somewhat prominent spine

Nasal Silling and Guttering Caucasian African Asian Caucasian – silling (sharp ridges) African – guttering (smooth at base) Asian – rounded edges

Prognathism Caucasian African Asian Caucasian – straight African – prognathic Asian – varies

Eye Orbital Shape Caucasian (top left) – round; somewhat square Negroid (bottom left) – rectangular or square Mongoloid (top right) – rounded; somewhat circular

Overall Skull Shape Negroid – shorter and wider Mongoloid– shorter and broad Caucasian – longer and more narrow