Study of Nansal Index Among Students of Tertiary Medical Care Institute in Southern India.

ABSTRACT

Background: India is an ancient country having a diverse population group of various races, ethnic groups and tribes living in different climatic conditions. Nasal index is an ethnic sensitive anthropometric index which is used to classify race and sex of an individual. Aim: To study the Nasal index by using nasal parameters like Nasal height and Nasal width among students of South India and North India. Materials and Method: The study was done on medical students (male and female) aged between 18-23yrs of age after obtaining the necessary consent. Nasal height and nasal width were measured with the aid of sliding caliper. On the basis of nasal height and nasal width, nasal index was calculated and the data was analyzed statistically. Results: The present study revealed that majority of the Indian population (both South India and North India) belong to mesorrhinae type of nasal form followed by platyrrhinae and leptorrhinae. Conclusion: The majority of the Indian population belongs to mesorrhinae type of nasal form. The particular data will be of importance in forensic science, anthropology and rhinoplasty.