The Cephalometry of the Yoruba Ethnic Group of Southwestern Nigeria.

Cephalometry of an ethnic population is determined by sex, diet, geographic location and genetics. Quantitative facial morphometry is necessary in today's contemporary society because of the globalization of crime and justice. The objective of this study is to determine Yoruba ethnic population's cephalofacial uniqueness for gender identification. A total of 222 adults (155 females and 67 males) participants from 10 local government areas in 5 states of the South-west Nigeria were randomly selected. Pre-defined set of cephalometric parameters were measured using standard requirement for anthropometry. Statistical analysis was calculated for gender differences using SPSS 20. Overall, gender differences (male vs female) was exhibited in head length, head width, upper facial height, lower facial height and facial width. Sexual differences were also exhibited in head modulus index (41.43±1.72 cm Vs 42.87±2.18 cm) and the index of the size of head (2361.89±444.53 cm3 vs 2147.78±316.13 cm3). Both genders exhibited dolichocephalic/mesocephalic type. Gender identification in this ethnic group may concentrate on five facial morphometry.

Palmar and digital dermatogylyphic patterns of the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Palmar and digital dermatoglyphic patterns of the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria were taken and their variability examined. Six hundred people were assessed, consisting of 200 Hausas (156 males, 44 females), 200 Ibos (98 males, 102 females), 200 Yorubas (112 males and 88 females). Clear prints were obtained by ink procedure and classified into patterns. It was found that ulnar loop was the most predominant among the ethnic groups. Comparison of digital and palmar ridge patterns among the ethnic groups revealed significant differences. The study established that digital and palmar ridge patterns vary significantly for the three ethnic groups. It was concluded from the study that dermatoglyphic traits of the digits and the palm may be used to differentiate the three ethnic groups.