A Study of Distribution of Hair
on the Phalanges of the Hand
in Andhra Pradesh, India
553-556
Correspondence
Muralidhar Reddy Sangam MD,
Associate Professor of Anatomy,
NRI Medical College, Chinakakani, Guntur District,
Andhra Pradesh, India. PIN – 522 503.
Phone: 08645 – 236 777, Fax: 234577, 237404.
Mobile: 9440668501
E-mail: murali_sangam@yahoo.co.in
Introduction: The aim of the study was to observe the pattern of hair distribution on the phalanges of the hand in Andhra Pradesh by using a sample population.
Materials and Methods: 700 individuals who were aged between 18-35 years were randomly selected for the study. The pattern and the frequency of the hair distribution on the proximal, middle and the distal phalanges were studied. The observations were categorized into the gender and phalangeal hair patterns.
Observations: The results showed that the proximal phalangeal hair was present in 99.14% males and 98% females. The most common pattern of the hair distribution on the proximal phalanges was 1-2-3-4-5. The middle phalageal hair was present in 46% males and in 38.85% females. The most common pattern of the hair on the middle phalanges was 3-4. Hair was absent on the distal phalanges.
Conclusion: This study has anthropological significance in dividing the race, nationalism and the sex. Hence, it has a medico legal importance too.