Eskimo craniofacial morphology, cold stress and the maxillary sinus

Area of Science:

• Anthropology
• Human Anatomy
• Environmental Adaptation

Background:

• Maxillary sinus volume (MSV) varies across human populations.
• Environmental factors, particularly climate, are hypothesized to influence craniofacial morphology.
• Previous research has suggested a link between cold climates and craniofacial features in certain populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the maxillary sinus volume in various Eskimo, Mongolian, and American white populations.
• To investigate the correlation between the mean temperature of the coldest month and mean maxillary sinus volume.
• To explore potential adaptive explanations for observed variations in MSV.

Main Methods:

• Measurement of maxillary sinus volume in eight Eskimo, one Mongolian, and one American white population.
• Statistical analysis to identify correlations between climate data and MSV.
• Review of existing anthropological, physiological, and morphological research.

Main Results:

• A strong, significant correlation was found between the mean temperature of the coldest month and mean maxillary sinus volume.
• Maxillary sinus volume was observed to decrease in Eskimo populations residing in colder regions.
• Internal nasal structures, such as the inferior concha and inferior meatus, may be involved in these adaptations.

Conclusions:

• Cold exposure appears to be a significant factor influencing maxillary sinus volume and internal nasal anatomy in Eskimo populations.
• The findings suggest that the internal nasal apparatus is particularly susceptible to cold.
• The "cold-engineered" hypothesis regarding Mongoloid craniofacial form is not strongly supported by the current anthropological literature.