
What is a Cephalic Index?
- Range of Cephalic index The cephalic index is given as the breadth, which is multiplied by 100 divided by the length. ...
- Historic Use in Anthropology Early Anthropology ...
- Modern Use in Animal Breeding The cephalic index can be used in the categorisation of animals, especially in the breeds of cats and dogs. ...
- Mesaticephalic Animals Mesocephalic Labrador Retriever ...
What is the cephalic index of the head?
Cephalic index viewed from above the head. The cephalic index or cranial index is the ratio of the maximum width (biparietal diameter or BPD, side to side) of the head of an organism (human or animal) multiplied by 100 divided by its maximum length (occipitofrontal diameter or OFD, front to back).
How do you calculate cephalic index at 28 weeks?
The cephalic index was calculated using the formula: CI = BPD/OFD × 100. The distribution of the CI at both scans is very close to a normal distribution. The mean CI at 17 to 22 weeks was 75.9 (SD, 3.7); the mean CI at 28 to 33 weeks was 77.8 (SD, 3.5).
How do you calculate cranial index?
Alternative Title: cranial index. Cephalic index, the percentage of breadth to length in any skull. The index is calculated from measurement of the diameters of the skull. The length of the skull is the distance from the glabella (the midpoint between the brows) and the most projecting point at the back of the head.
Who invented the cephalic index?
Anders Adolf Retzius. …invented (1842) the cranial, or cephalic, index (the ratio of the width to the length—front to back—of the skull, multiplied by 100) as a convenient preliminary indication of the race to which an individual belonged.

What is the normal range for cephalic index?
ResultsAge Group (mos)Cephalic IndexTowering Index7–120.83 (0.73–0.93)0.64 (0.60–0.68)13–180.82 (0.72–0.92)0.65 (0.61–0.69)19–240.81 (0.71–0.91)0.65 (0.61–0.69)Trend (p value)<0.0010.0112 more rows•Sep 2, 2016
What is cephalic index in ultrasound?
The cephalic index (CI) is a value calculated using two fetal biometric parameters which are the occipitofrontal diameter (OFD) and the biparietal diameter (BPD). It is calculated as: cephalic index (CI) = biparietal diameter (BPD)/occipitofrontal diameter (OFD) x 100.
How is dolichocephaly measured?
Head length is measured between the glabella (the most prominent point on the frontal bone above the root of the nose) and the most prominent part of the occiput in the midline, using spreading calipers.
What does it mean when a baby is cephalic?
Fetal Positions for Birth. Ideally for labor, the baby is positioned head-down, facing your back, with the chin tucked to its chest and the back of the head ready to enter the pelvis. This is called cephalic presentation. Most babies settle into this position with the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy.
Is cephalic position good?
Cephalic occiput anterior. Your baby is head down and facing your back. Almost 95 percent of babies in the head-first position face this way. This position is considered to be the best for delivery because its easiest for the head to “crown” or come out smoothly as you give birth.
What is meant by dolichocephalic head?
Definition of dolichocephalic : having a relatively long head with cephalic index of less than 75.
Why do premature babies have long heads?
NICUcephaly is a common condition in preemies who spend their first few months of life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This positional skull deformity causes preemies to develop long, narrow heads.
What is normal BPD in pregnancy?
Your doctor is looking for the BPD measurement, as well as the other measurements, to be within what is considered normal range. The biparietal diameter measurement increases from roughly 2.4 centimeters at 13 weeks to approximately 9.5 centimeters when a fetus is at term.
Can gender be determined in cephalic position?
In 100 women examined during the last trimester (15 with breech presentation and 85 with cephalic presentation) the sex of 28 boys and 34 girls could be diagnosed. This represents 72,9% positive determinations, if breech presentations are excluded. The best results are in fact obtained in cephalic presentations.
How do I know if my baby is in cephalic position?
Head-down (cephalic) position If you have a lump to the left or the right at the top of your tummy, try pressing gently on it. If you feel your baby's whole body move, that suggests he's in a head-down position. You may also notice that you feel his hiccups below your belly button.
Can babies change position from cephalic to breech?
Will ECV work? ECV can work, although there is no guarantee of success. If it does work, there is a small chance the baby will turn again to the breech position. But overall, ECV improves a woman's chances of having a vaginal birth.
What is the cephalic index?
The cephalic index is given as the breadth, which is multiplied by 100 divided by the length. An index of below 75 means that the skull is narrow and long when seen from the top; such types of skulls are known as dolichocephalic and they are typical of Australian aborigines and the native southern Africans. An index of ranging 75 - 80 means that the skull is approximately oval; such skulls are known as mesaticephalic and are typical of the Chinese and Europeans. A skull, which holds an index of about 80 is short and broad, and is known as brachycephalic; such skulls are quite common among the Andaman Islanders and Mongolians.
Why do anthropologists use the cephalic index?
Now, it is primarily used to describe the individuals' appearances and for estimating the fetuses age for obstetrical and legal reasons.
What is a mesaticephalic skull?
When dealing with animals, especially dogs, the more common and widely used term is "mesaticephalic," which refers to the ratio of the head to the nasal cavity. This group is exemplified by the breeds mentioned below.
What are the measured factors?
Technically, the measured factors can be defined as the maximum width of the bones, which surround the head above the supramastoid crest (it means, behind the cheekbones), and the maximum length from the very easily noticed part of the glabella (between the eyebrows) to the very easily noticed point at the back side part of the head.
Why was the cephalic index useless?
Boas also argued that the cephalic index was useless for defining race and mapping ancestral populations if craniofacial features were too malleable in a single generation. Scholars like Earnest A. Hooton continued to argue that both heredity and environment were involved. But, Boas did not himself claim it was completely plastic.
What are the factors that influence the shape of the skull?
Answer: Culture and environment practices play an important role in shaping our heads. Genes regulate the process of unfolding of growth and skull development. However, genes do not define the shape of the skull.
Who challenged the cephalic index?
Giuseppe Sergi challenged the cephalic index's utility, claiming that cranial morphology was a better way to model racial ancestry. In addition, Franz Boas analysed the children of immigrants to the United States between 1910 and 1912, finding that the children's cephalic index differed significantly from that of their parents, suggesting that local environmental factors had a major impact on cephalic head shape growth.
How to calculate cephalic index?
cephalic index, the percentage of breadth to length in any skull. The index is calculated from measurement of the diameters of the skull. The length of the skull is the distance from the glabella (the midpoint between the brows) and the most projecting point at the back of the head. The breadth of the skull is the distance between the most projecting points at the sides of the head, usually a little above and behind the ears. The cephalic index is the breadth multiplied by 100 divided by the length. An index of less than 75 means that the skull is long and narrow when seen from the top; such skulls are called dolichocephalic and are typical of Australian aborigines and native southern Africans. An index of 75 to 80 means that the skull is nearly oval; such skulls are called mesaticephalic and are typical of Europeans and the Chinese. A skull having an index of over 80 is broad and short, and is called brachycephalic; such skulls are common among Mongolians and the Andaman Islanders.
What is cephalic index?
Cephalic index, the percentage of breadth to length in any skull. The index is calculated from measurement of the diameters of the skull. The length of the skull is the distance from the glabella (the midpoint between the brows) and the most projecting point at the back of the head. The breadth of the skull is the distance between ...
What is the breadth of the skull?
The breadth of the skull is the distance between the most projecting points at the sides of the head, usually a little above and behind the ears. The cephalic index is the breadth multiplied by 100 divided by the length.
What does it mean when a skull is 75?
An index of less than 75 means that the skull is long and narrow when seen from the top; such skulls are called dolichocephalic and are typical of Australian aborigines and native southern Africans. An index of 75 to 80 means that the skull is nearly oval; such skulls are called mesaticephalic and are typical of Europeans and the Chinese.
What is a skull with an index of 80 called?
A skull having an index of over 80 is broad and short, and is called brachycephalic ; such skulls are common among Mongolians and the Andaman Islanders. This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty, Editor.
Who invented the cranial index?
Anders Adolf Retzi us#N#…invented (1842) the cranial, or cephalic, index (the ratio of the width to the length—front to back—of the skull, multiplied by 100) as a convenient preliminary indication of the race to which an individual belonged. Retzius also described convolutions of the cerebral cortex (“gyri of Retzius”), a ligament in the…
What is the skull made of?
skull. Skull, skeletal framework of the head of vertebrates, composed of bones or cartilage, which form a unit that protects the brain and some sense organs. The upper jaw, but not the lower, is part of the skull. The human cranium, the part that contains the brain, is globular and relatively….
What is the cephalic index?
The cephalic index or cranial index is the ratio of the maximum width ( biparietal diameter or BPD, side to side) of the head of an organism multiplied by 100 and then divided by their maximum length ( occipitofrontal diameter or OFD, front to back). The index is used to categorize both humans and animals alike, ...
Who questioned the usefulness of the cephalic index?
The usefulness of the cephalic index was questioned by Giuseppe Sergi, who argued that cranial morphology provided a better means to model racial ancestry. Also, Franz Boas studied the children of immigrants to the United States in 1910 to 1912, noting that the children's cephalic index differed significantly from their parents', implying that local environmental conditions had a significant impact on the development of head shape.
What did Boas argue about the cephalic index?
Boas argued that if craniofacial features were so malleable in a single generation, then the cephalic index was of little use for defining race and mapping ancestral populations. Scholars such as Earnest A. Hooton continued to argue that both environment and heredity were involved.
Why is Boas' method more useful?
They argue that Boas' method is more useful, because the prenatal environment is a crucial developmental factor. Jantz and Sparks responded to Gravlee et al., reiterating that Boas' findings lacked biological meaning, and that the interpretation of Boas' results common in the literature was biologically inaccurate.
What is a brachycephalic skull?
A brachycephalic skull is relatively broad and short (typically with the breadth at least 80% of the length). Dog breeds such as the pug are sometimes classified as "Extreme Brachycephalic". Because of the health issues brachycephaly is regarded as torture breeding. as it often leads to the Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome.
Where is the measured factor?
Technically, the measured factors are defined as the maximum width of the bones that surround the head above the supramastoid crest (behind the cheekbones), and the maximum length from the most easily noticed part of the glabella (between the eyebrows) to the most easily noticed point on the back part of the head.
Who reanalyzed Boas' data?
In 2003, anthropologists Clarence C. Gravlee, H. Russell Bernard, and William R. Leonard reanalyzed Boas' data and concluded that most of Boas' original findings were correct. Moreover, they applied new statistical, computer-assisted methods to Boas' data and discovered more evidence for cranial plasticity.
Where is the head circumference measured?
The head circumference is measured at the point where the baby's eyebrows rest, from front to back. Our STARscanner™ will provide the most accurate head circumference.
What is the CI of a head?
Cephalic Index (CI) is the measurement of the head width (HW) divided by the head length (HL) multiplied by one hundred. The equation looks like this CI = HW ÷ HL x 100. Cephalic Index or cephalic ratio will be a definitive measurement for insurance companies.
What is the normal head shape for a newborn?
Normal head shapes for babies should have a Cranial Vault Asymmetry of 0 to 4 mm (millimeters) and have a Cephalic Ratio of 75 to 90 mm. Very often babies will be born with a slight head deformity.
What is mild plagiocephaly?
Mild Plagiocephaly. Very often babies will be born with a slight head deformity. Sometimes you might notice it while other times you may not. When your baby's head gets measured and has a Cephalic Ratio of 91 to 93 mm and a Cranial Vault Asymmetry (CVA) of 5 to 9 mm, we refer to this as mild plagiocephaly.
How to tell if a child has deformational plagiocephaly?
In order to determine if your child has deformational plagiocephaly, an orthotist will measure the baby's head.
Does insurance pay for plagiocephaly?
Most insurance companies will pay for therapies. In a case where the Cranial Vault Asymmetry is greater than 15 mm and the Cephalic Ratio of greater than 97 mm, we refer to this as severe plagiocephaly. Often helmet/physical therapy may suffice while other times a neurosurgeon will need to be consulted.
Range of Cephalic Index
- The cephalic index is given as the breadth, which is multiplied by 100 divided by the length. An index of below 75 means that the skull is narrow and long when seen from the top; such types of skulls are known as dolichocephalic and they are typical of Australian aborigines and the native southern Africans. An index of ranging 75 - 80 means that th...
Historic Use in Anthropology
- Early Anthropology In the early twentieth century, anthropologists used to calculate the cephalic index (cephalic index calculator) to categorise the human population. Now, it is primarily used to describe the individuals' appearances and for estimating the fetuses age for obstetrical and legal reasons. Anders Retzius (1796–1860), a Swedish professor of anatomy, invented the cephalic m…
Indices
- Cephalic indices can be grouped as in the below table: Technically, the measured factors can be defined as the maximum width of the bones, which surround the head above the supramastoid crest (it means, behind the cheekbones), and the maximum length from the very easily noticed part of the glabella (between the eyebrows) to the very easily noticed point at the back side part …
Modern Use in Animal Breeding
- The cephalic index can be used in the categorisation of animals, especially in the breeds of cats and dogs. Brachycephalic Animals Relatively, a brachycephalic skull is short and broad (typically having the breadth at least 80% of the length). Some dog breeds, such as the pug, are known as "Extreme Brachycephalic." Due to the health issues brachycephaly is regarded as torture breedi…
Mesaticephalic Animals
- Mesocephalic Labrador Retriever A mesaticephalic skull consists of intermediate width and length. These mesaticephalic skulls are not markedly dolichocephalic and brachycephalic. When dealing with animals, especially dogs, the more common and widely used term is "mesaticephalic," which refers to the ratio of the head to the nasal cavity. This group is exemplifi…
Overview
The cephalic index or cranial index is the ratio of the maximum width (biparietal diameter or BPD, side to side) of the head of an organism multiplied by 100 and then divided by their maximum length (occipitofrontal diameter or OFD, front to back). The index is used to categorize both humans and animals alike, the latter to dogs and cats especially.
Historic use in anthropology
The cephalic index was widely used by anthropologists in the early 20th century to categorize human populations. It is now mainly used to describe individuals' appearances and for estimating the age of fetuses for legal and obstetrical reasons.
The cephalic index was defined by Swedish professor of anatomy Anders Retzius (1796–1860) …
Modern use in animal breeding
The cephalic index is used in the categorisation of animals, especially breeds of dogs and cats.
A brachycephalic skull is relatively broad and short (typically with the breadth at least 80% of the length). Dog breeds such as the pug are sometimes classified as "Extreme Brachycephalic". Because of the health issues brachycephaly is r…
See also
• Cephalic index in cats and dogs
• Craniometry
• Phrenology
• Human skull
External links
• Cephalic index
• Brachycephalic Experienced Veterinarians Database Archived 30 August 2007 at the Wayback Machine