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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Cross-sectional anthropometric study of the external ear
Lynn Meijerman1, Cor van der Lugt, George J R Maat
1Barge's Anthropologica, Deptartment of Anatomy, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|February 24, 2007
Summary
The human ear, particularly the earlobe, grows throughout adulthood. This ear expansion means earprints change over time, impacting forensic identification methods.
Area of Science:
- Anthropometry
- Forensic Science
- Anatomy
Background:
- Earprints are unique identifiers used in forensic investigations.
- Understanding age-related changes in ear morphology is crucial for accurate identification.
- Previous research on ear growth has yielded varied conclusions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the expansion of the external ear during adult life.
- To assess how anatomical features in earprints vary with age.
- To determine the stability of ear morphology over time.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional anthropometric study analyzing 1353 subjects' ear photographs.
- Univariate analyses of variance to explore age effects on auricle length, earlobe length, and auricle width.
- Analysis of antelix prominence and helix width in 175 subjects.
Main Results:
- Significant positive correlation between age and ear dimensions (auricle length, earlobe length, auricle width) in both males and females (p=0.000).
- Regression coefficients indicated consistent ear growth across participants.
- Anthelix prominence and helix width remained unaffected by age.
Conclusions:
- The external ear, especially the earlobe, continues to grow throughout adulthood.
- Earlobe expansion exceeds cartilage expansion, suggesting earlobe imprints are less stable over time.
- Age-related changes in ear morphology should be considered in forensic earprint analysis.
