Haya: The Saudi Journal of Life Sciences (SJLS)
Volume-10 | Issue-11 | 738-743
Original Research Article
Auricular Morphometry and Its Forensic Significance among the Okrika Tribe of Rivers State, Nigeria
Erekosima, B. U, Horsfall, A. U, Amadi, H, Paul, J. N, Oluta, E. T, Okpara, D. C
Published : Dec. 24, 2025
Abstract
Background: The external ear plays a significant role in clinical, surgical, and forensic sciences. Anthropometric data are essential for surgeries, hearing aid design, and forensic identification. Ethnic diversity influences auricular morphology, emphasizing the need for population-specific data. This study provides data on the Okrika tribe, exploring sexual dimorphism and applications in clinical and forensic practice. Aim: To establish anthropometric auricular parameters for the Okrika tribe, with potential applications in clinical and forensic contexts. Materials and Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study recruited 450 Okirika indigenes (245 males, 205 females) aged 18+ years with no ear abnormalities or previous surgeries. Digital vernier calipers measured ear length, width, lobular length, and lobular width on both ears. Measurements were taken with subjects sitting upright and head in Frankfort horizontal plane. Data were analyzed using R programming environment, with sex differences assessed via independent sample T-test and correlations with stature via Pearson's/Spearman's correlation. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study enrolled 450 Okirika participants (245 males, 205 females). Males were significantly taller, while females had higher BMI and greater central obesity. Males had larger right lobule width (17.3mm vs 16.3mm) and left ear width (31.1mm vs 30.3mm). Ear width measurements showed prominent sexual dimorphism. Sexual dimorphism was most pronounced in ear width measurements, with males having larger dimensions. External ear dimensions didn't correlate with stature in males and females. Ear size and height are independent traits, making ear measurements unreliable for predicting stature. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into Okrika tribe's external ear morphology, highlighting significant sexual dimorphism in auricular width dimensions. The findings offer a valuable reference for clinicians and forensic experts, guiding reconstructive surgery and sex estimation. The study contributes to external ear morphometry knowledge, emphasizing the need for population-specific research in diverse populations.