Morphometric study of pterion in dry skull of Gujarat Region.

ABSTRACT

The pterion is a commonly used landmark on neurocranium; classified in four types sphenoparietal, frontotemporal, stellate and epipteric. In this study we have found out morphology and location of pterion of skull of Gujarat region and comparison of their morphology with other populations. 42 skulls of unknown gender were examined on both sides from Department of Anatomy, Medical College Bhavnagar. Measurements of the location of the pterion were made by using stainless steel callipers. Sphenoparietal was the most common form comprising 91.7%. Measurements between from center of pterion to posterior end of frontozygomatic suture, vertical distance to upper margin of zygomatic arch, horizontal distance to lateral margin of optic canal and horizontal distance to outer end of the sphenoid ridge on the lesser wing of the sphenoid were taken. Anatomical variations of the pterion, which are of interest to anthropologists, forensic pathologists and surgeons, deserve further investigation in other populations from different areas.