Sexual dimorphism in the first proximal hand phalanges of the 17th - 19th century Middenbeemster skeletal collection

Sex estimation methods commonly used in osteoarchaeology involve the pelvis and skull. If the pelvis, cranium or other big-sized bones are damaged or cannot be found in a burial, new methods for estimating sex are needed. This study aims to determine the degree of sexual dimorphism from the first proximal hand phalanges, in order to explore the possibility of using this particular bone for sex estimation. The sample used in this study was taken from Middenbeemster skeletal collection housed in Human Osteoarchaeology Laboratory, Leiden University. The skeletal collection from the 17th - 19th century was chosen because it has individuals of known sex and age. A total of 103 first proximal hand phalanges obtained from 64 adult individuals (22 males and 42 females) were used in this study. There were seven measurements used to analyze the degree of sexual dimorphism, including maximal length and diaphyseal and epiphyseal widths, both mediolaterally and anteroposteriorly. The degree of...Show moreSex estimation methods commonly used in osteoarchaeology involve the pelvis and skull. If the pelvis, cranium or other big-sized bones are damaged or cannot be found in a burial, new methods for estimating sex are needed. This study aims to determine the degree of sexual dimorphism from the first proximal hand phalanges, in order to explore the possibility of using this particular bone for sex estimation. The sample used in this study was taken from Middenbeemster skeletal collection housed in Human Osteoarchaeology Laboratory, Leiden University. The skeletal collection from the 17th - 19th century was chosen because it has individuals of known sex and age. A total of 103 first proximal hand phalanges obtained from 64 adult individuals (22 males and 42 females) were used in this study. There were seven measurements used to analyze the degree of sexual dimorphism, including maximal length and diaphyseal and epiphyseal widths, both mediolaterally and anteroposteriorly. The degree of sexual dimorphism in the first proximal hand phalanx of Middenbeemster skeletal collection is up to 22.38%, indicated by left APWM. The lowest degree of sexual dimorphism is shown by the left ML. Five out of seven measurements used in this study show the left side has a higher degree of sexual dimorphism than the right. The results of this study indicate that the first proximal hand phalanx can potentially be used for sex estimation.Show less

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Sexual dimorphism in the first proximal hand phalanges of the 17th - 19th century Middenbeemster skeletal collection