Anthropometric study of philtrum (face) and other nasal parameters in Nepal

Abstract

Aim and Objective: The philtrum plays a key role in appearance of upper lip and nostril. Present study aims to determine and compare the philtrum and other nasal parameters of male and female Nepalese, and to provide a comprehensive data for use by anthropologists and medical practitioners.

Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study involves 400 medical students aged 17-25 years (200 males and 200 females) at Kathmandu Medical College Nepal.

Results: The test of significance was done using independent t-test and ANOVA. It was observed that the parameters of nose height (50.813 mm ± SD 4.53), nose length (49.38 mm ± SD 4.56), nose depth (19.81 mm ± SD 2.21), Philtrum length (13.63 mm ± SD 2.35), philtrum width (11.53 mm ± SD 1.23) and columella width (6.323 mm ± SD 0.64) were significant (p-0.001) whereas nose width (49.38 mm ± SD 4.56) was not significant (p= 0.295) among male and female. In general, philtrum and Nasal parameters analyzed are larger in males.

Conclusion: The study population has mesorrhine type of nose. All aspects of nose and philtrum, at least those considered here, are highly sexually dimorphic. These findings can be utilized for various purposes in physical anthropology, forensic science and clinical practice and will also provide a future framework for the evaluation of other craniofacial variables in same population.

Keywords: Anthropometry; Forensic Science; Face; Nose; Philtrum; Columella; Mesorrhine; Nepal