Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the anatomical variations of mastoid canal, mastoid groove and
suprameatal triangle and to evaluate the use of mastoid process as atool for sex determination in unidentified
skeleton. Material and methods: The mastoid region of 100 dry human skulls were observed for prescence of
mastoid canal and groove.If any, ametallic wire was passed through the canal for its confirmation and then the
length was measured. Inspection of suprameatal spine for its shape and size and determine the depth of suprameatal
triangle or depression (deep or shallow).The following measurements were taken using vernier caliper:mastoid
triangle measurements,mastoid length and mastoid breadth. Results: Mastoid canal was present in 28% of total 100
skull either unilaterally or bilaterally.mastoid groove was present in 24% of total 100 skull.both mastoid canal
&groove were present in 8% of total 100 skull.suprameatal triangle was deep in 46% of total skulls and it was
shallow in 30% of total skulls.The most prevalent type of supameatal spine was crest type (46%) while triangular
type was present in 26% of total skulls.There were a highly significant difference between both sex (p< 0.01) as
regard mastoid triangle measurements,mastoid length and mastoid breadth. Conclusion: It was possible to conclude
that mastoid canal,mastoid groove and the suprameatal triangle presents anatomical variations that may help
neurosurgeons and otologic surgeones during surgical procedures which involve access to structure in posterior
cranial fossa and mastoid air system.
[Saadia Ahmed Shalaby, Essam Mohammed Eid, Omar Abd-Alaziz Allam,Naglaa Ali Sarg and Amal Ghonaimi
Metwally. Morphometric Study Of Mastoid Canal And Suprameatal Triangle Of Human Egyptian
Skull,With Gender Determination. Nat Sci 2016;14(4):67-73]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online).
http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 8. doi:10.7537/marsnsj14041608. |
