Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026

Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Secular changes in body dimensions and sexual maturation in children of Arkhangelsk city
Elena Z Godina1, Irina A Khomyakova1, Ludmila V Zadorozhnaya1
1Institute and Museum of Anthropology, Lomonosov Moscow State University Mokhovaya str. 11, Moscow 125009 Russia.
Abstract:
The aim of the present study was to analyze secular changes in body measurements in children of the Arkhangelsk city from 1988 to 2010. A large number of anthropometric measurements were taken on each individual including height, weight, arm, leg and trunk lengths (estimated), body diameters and circumferences, skinfold thickness. Stages of secondary sex characteristics were also evaluated; data on menarcheal age were collected by status-quo method. It was shown that main differences in stature occurred at puberty while in elder children (16-17-year-olds) no statistically significant differences were found. The same pattern was typical for weight and BMI. Chest circumference significantly increased, particularly in girls. For modern children, changes in body proportions due to a bigger trunk length were typical. There were also significant differences in the distribution of subcutaneous fat layer: in modern children bigger fat accumulation was present on the trunk, particularly in abdomen area, vs. fat layer on the extremities. Process of sexual maturation according to mean ages of development of secondary sex characteristics occurred earlier in modern adolescents, which is more expressed in girls. The results can be interpreted in terms of ongoing secular trend.
Related Concept Videos
Signs of Puberty
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Nature and Nurture
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Natural Selection and Mating Preferences
Females, due to their biological roles in conception, pregnancy, and nursing,...

