Anthropological significance of sexual dimorphism and the unique structural anatomy of the frontal sinuses: Review of the available literature.

ABSTRACT

Frontal sinuses have unique anatomical features that are distinct to every individual. Radiographic measurement of the frontal sinus is becoming popular in identifying deceased persons in cases where soft tissue remains are not found such as in cases of mass explosions and natural disasters. The aim of this review article is to highlight the significance of employing the method of radiography of frontal sinuses in the process of identification of human bodies. With the use of Pubmed, Medline and Embase, articles on frontal sinus anthropological significance were analyzed from 2015 till 2018. Sexual dimorphism was evident between the two genders. The dimensions are bigger for the males as compared to the females. The left sinus has bigger dimensions as compared to the right frontal air sinus. The reliable use of the radiographic technique is a simple and cost effective method of knowing identity even when the body is severely decomposed.