Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Electroporation of Craniofacial Mesenchyme
Published on: November 28, 2011
Medical Imaging and Facial Soft Tissue Thickness Studies for Forensic Craniofacial Approximation: A Pilot Study on
Christos P Somos1,2, Paul M Rea1, Sheona Shankland3
1Anatomy Facility, School of Life Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
Abstract:
Forensic cases may require craniofacial approximations for unidentifiable victims. The accuracy of these approximations is improved by using population-specific average soft tissue depths. This study used CT scans from 64 Cretan adults (32 male and 32 female) to produce three-dimensional models of each individual's cranium and skin surface. Using the models, the soft tissue depths were measured at 36 craniofacial landmarks; the means and standard deviations were calculated for the general Cretan population, and for male and female Cretans separately. Cretan facial soft tissue depths were then compared to those of French, Slovak, and Korean adults. 16 of the 36 landmarks exhibited sex differences among Cretans, with males having consistently thicker depths than females. The facial soft tissue depths of Cretan adults also presented significant differences when compared to other populations. Overall, the average soft tissue depths obtained represent the first database for the craniofacial approximation of Cretan (Greek) adults.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging
Linearization and Approximation
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...

