Morphometry of hypoglossal canal in central Indian Crania

Aim:  Study of non metric cranial variants have been a field of considerable interest to research workers especially because of their racial and regional importance. Present study is undertaken to know the morphometric differences of hypoglossal canal and to draw any significant statistical conclusions. Materials and methods: This study is conducted on eighty central Indian dry crania of unknown sex and age. Various parameters of hypoglossal canal were measured and documented. Results: The intra cranial diameter ranged on right side from 5-7.5 mm with an average of 6.0±3 mm. On left side, it ranged from 4.5-8mm with an average of 6.8±3mm. The extra cranial diameter ranged on right side from 5.5-8.5mm with an average of 6.4±2 mm and on left side ranged from 5.5-9mm with an average of 6.2±3mm. Regarding the shape of the openings, of the eighty skulls used for this study, we found round shaped (63,78.75%), oval shaped (10,12.5%), kidney shaped (1,1.25%), tear drop shaped (4,5%), dumb bell shaped(1, 1.25%), triangle shaped(1,1.25%). Septation is observed on right side in 5 skulls (6.25%) and on left side in 8 skulls (10%).