Three-dimensional models of human skulls and their application in sex differences analysis of midsagittal line

Abstract

The development of technology and different imaging techniques has contributed to the development of science in general. Imaging has also found application in anatomy. Aim of this research was the application of three-dimensional models of the human skulls in analysis of sex differences of the midsagittal line. The research was performed on 211 three-dimensional models (3D) of human skulls from the Bosnian population (139 male and 72 female skulls). 3D models were obtained by scanning the skulls using a laser scanner. On 3D, seven nonpaired landmarks in the area of the midsagittal line were marked using Landmark Editor program. The position of the marked landmarks was used for analysis of sex differences in the shape of the midsagittal line and for analysis of sex differences of maximum sagittal diameter in the area of the midsagittal line (maximum cranial length, glabella-opisthion). Geometric morphometrics was performed to analyze shape differences of the midsagittal line between
the sexes, and the results of correct classification test showed statistically significant differences. Sex determination using the shape of the midsagittal line was possible with 66.19% accuracy for male skulls and 62.5% for female skulls (p<0.001). Results of regression analysis showed a statistically significant effect of size of the midsagittal line on its shape. Results of univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences between the sexes (p<0.001). The application of three-dimensional models of the skulls for sex determination based on the midsagittal line showed statistically significant differences between the sexes.