Title: Digit ratio (2D:4D) – An anthropometric marker for sexual dimorphism in J&K population
Authors: Mudasir Ahmad Khan, Majid Ahmad Khan, Mukhtar Ahmad Khan
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i7.51
Abstract
Introduction: Forensic anthropology involves the identification of human remains for medico-legal purposes. Estimation of sex is an essential element of medico-legal investigations when identification of unknown dismembered remains is involved.
Aim and Objectives: The present study was conducted with an aim to estimate sex from 2D:4D ratio of adult individuals belonging to an indigenous population of Jammu and Kashmir region of Northern India.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on a sample of 200 medical students (100 males and 100 females) within the age group of 18-25 years, studying in Government Medical College, Jammu. Only those students were taken who belong to J&K state and have no obvious deformity that can affect the measurements.
Results: Males have significantly longer index and ring finger length than females. Sex differences in the length of ring finger are larger than index finger. Again males show significantly lower mean 2D:4D digit ratio (0.975) as compared to females (0.984). The study suggests that ratio below and equal to 0.975 is suggestive of male sex for both hands, while a ratio of more than 0.975 is suggestive female sex for both the hands.
Conclusion: This study may prove useful to determine the sex of an isolated hand when it is subjected for medico legal examination.
Keywords: Anthropometry, Dimorphism, Digit Ratio, Population.
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