Morphometric evaluation of the foramen magnum in a Sri Lankan population

Abstract

Objective: The foramen magnum (FM) that transmits a large number of vital structures is an important anatomical landmark in neurosurgical procedures and forensic anthropology. The aim of the present study was to determine the dimensions and shape of the FM in a Sri Lankan population. Material and method: Forty-four adult skulls (32 males and 12 females) were selected for the study. Sagittal (FMSD) and transverse (FMTD) diameters of the FM were taken using a sliding digital vernier caliper to the nearest 0.01mm by one investigator. The area of the FM was calculated using Radinsky's formula; A=1/4 X 3.14 X FMTD X FMSD and FM index was calculated using the formula: FMTD x 100 / FMSD. The skulls were visually assessed to determine the shape of the FM. The shape of the FM was recorded as round, oval, egg-shaped, tetragonal, pentagonal, hexagonal or irregular. Results:The mean sagittal and transverse diameter, area and index of the foramen magnum in males were 34.62 ±2.17 mm, 29.52±2.13 mm, 695.77±90.64 mm2 and 85.41±5.66, respectively, whereas they were 33.87±2.31 mm, 28.28±1.99 mm, 2 662.56±98.67 mm and 83.69±6.13, respectively, in females. The shape of the foramen was found to be eggshaped in 34.1%, and round in 27.2% of the cases. Conclusions:The size and shape of the foramen magnum are highly variable among different world populations. Sri Lankan skulls showed smaller foramen magnum in compare with those of African, Mediterranean and European populations. Males displayed larger mean values than females for all measured variables.

Detectable immunological response in Brucella abortus s 19 vaccinated herds of cattle in vilachchiya veterinary range, north central province, Sri Lanka

“…Similarly, 90% of calves and adults showed high titre at 2 weeks after the vaccination. According to previous studies, in the 6 th week, 50% of the animals showed over 1:4 antibody titres and 21% had over 1:8 CFT titres (Peiris, 1981). A slightly different scenario was observed in animals from abortion history negative farms; 37.5% of the animals showed over 1:4 and 18.75% had over 1:8 antibody titres in the study.…”

Development, Education and Learning in Sri Lanka

“…Once the president had agreed to the implementation of a pilot programme, the next challenge was financial. While the PTF technical committee had developed plans for a range of activities (Peiris & Nanayakkara, 2000), these plans had not been costed. No money had been set aside for redesigning classrooms to accommodate 'activity benches' and sinks and provision for running water.…”

Vitamin D deficiency among children aged 10-18 years in Sri Lanka

“…Sri Lanka is a tropical country, with monthly average temperature varying between 26°C and 33°C in the lowlands and 7°C and 21.6°C in the central highlands. The country is divided according to the amount, seasonality and variability of rainfall into three zones (wet, intermediate and dry zones) [9]. Only a few studies on vitamin D have been conducted in Sri Lanka and these are either restricted to one region or adult populations [10,11].…”