BRACHYCEPHALOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Brachycephalous is an adjective used to describe a particular anatomical characteristic, specifically the shape and structure of the human skull. It refers to individuals or species having a relatively short and broad skull, exhibiting a high cephalic index.
A cephalic index is a measurement used to quantify and categorize the shape of the cranium, which is the upper portion of the skull containing the brain. By comparing the width of the skull to its length and multiplying by 100, one can determine the cephalic index. A higher index indicates a shorter and wider skull, while a lower index suggests a longer and narrower skull.
The term brachycephalous is often used in the field of anthropology to describe populations or ethnic groups with this distinct cranial shape. It is important to note that brachycephaly is not a condition or medical disorder, but rather a descriptive term used for classifying anatomical variations among different populations.
Brachycephalous skulls are typically characterized by a wide head width, with a rounded and compact appearance, resulting in a relatively flat facial profile when compared to other skull shapes. This cranial type can be found in several human populations around the world, including certain European, Asian, and Native American groups.
Understanding the different cranial shapes and variations among human populations is valuable for anthropological and forensic studies, as it helps to identify genetic and ethnic origins, as well as shed light on human migration patterns throughout history.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BRACHYCEPHALOUS
- vrachycephalous
- nrachycephalous
- hrachycephalous
- grachycephalous
- beachycephalous
- bdachycephalous
- bfachycephalous
- btachycephalous
- b5achycephalous
- b4achycephalous
- brzchycephalous
- brschycephalous
- brwchycephalous
- brqchycephalous
- braxhycephalous
- bravhycephalous
- brafhycephalous
- bradhycephalous
- bracgycephalous
Etymology of BRACHYCEPHALOUS
The word "brachycephalous" derives from two Greek roots: "brachys" meaning "short" and "kephalē" meaning "head". When combined, they form "brachycephalic", which refers to individuals or species with a relatively short and broad head.
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