ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 7

Bilateral Asymmetry of Long Arm Bones and Jugular Foramen: Implications for Handedness
Glassman, DM
Assistant professor of anthropology, Southwest Texas State University, TX

Bass, WM
Tennessee state forensic anthropologist, professor and head, University of Tennessee, TN

(Received 1 March 1985; accepted 5 June 1985)

Abstract

The analysis of asymmetry of the arm long bones and of the cranial jugular foramen has been used to suggest handedness in humans. However, because of the unavailability of documented skeletal material, neither criterion has been systematically tested. If both criteria are associated with handedness, they should also be intercorrelated within individuals. Data were collected from skeletal material of 125 males and 57 females to test whether this intercorrelation exists. According to Chi-square analysis, no statistically significant association was identified. After examining several hypotheses, it was concluded that until further substantiation, neither criterion is related to handedness to a degree appropriate for forensic science identification from skeletal remains.

Keywords:
physical anthropology, human identification, handedness, skeletal asymmetry

Paper ID: JFS12290J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12290J
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