Rare morphological variants of the bones: epicondylar processes, metopic suture and Wormian bones in XVIII century skeleton

Folia Morphol (Warsz). 2020;79(1):162-167. doi: 10.5603/FM.a2019.0055. Epub 2019 May 20.

Abstract

Background: Analysis of the female skeleton from the 18th century revealed a collection of morphological changes.

Materials and methods: Anthropological evaluation and dental X-ray techniques allowed the age to be determined at 12-13 years.

Results: The distal parts of the both humerus bones had distinct, supracondylar processes of about 5 mm at the medial-lateral surface. The frontal bone had a well-preserved metopic suture along the entire length of the squama. There were also two Wormian bones (Inca bones), asymmetrical mastoid foramen, and only left non-obliterated condylar canal.

Conclusions: The skull measurements allowed the cranial index to be determined - 93.5 (brachycephalia) and height-length index - 98.6 (akrocephalus). Moreover, X-ray analysis of incomplete dentition was made.

Keywords: epicondylar process; metopic suture; morphological varieties of skeleton.

MeSH terms

  • Anthropology, Physical
  • Cephalometry
  • Child
  • Cranial Sutures / abnormalities*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Humerus / abnormalities*
  • Poland
  • Skull / abnormalities