Abstract

Background: Nasal bone and piriform aperture shows racial and geographical differences because of variable climate. Aim: the aim of this study was to evaluate the dimensions (maximal width and length), the size and the shape of the piriform aperture (PA) and nasal bone in South Indian adult. Materials and Methods: In this observational study, dimension of piriform aperture and nasal bone were measured using digital Vernier Calipers after assessing landmarks around the piriform aperture on the norma frontalis in Frankfurt plane in 51 skull of South Indian origin. Results: The mean height of the piriform aperture between male and female showed significance this has correlated well with the previously data acquired from human skulls. The present study findings were similar to most of Indian skulls having platyrhine type of piriform aperture (triangular to oval shape with piriform aperture index of 0.79. The Mean length and width of nasal bone did not show sexual dimorphism. Conclusion: the analysis of size and shape of the piriform aperture showed the existence of a significant sexual dimorphism. These results encourage us to go further with functional and imaging correlations. This study will also be helpful in forensic research, anthropology and plastic surgery.

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