- Variability in Stature:
- Stature varies by 1.5 to 2 cm at different times of the day.
- It is generally less in the evening.
- Malnutrition and advancing age can reduce stature.
- After 30 years, stature decreases by 0.6 mm every year.
- Lying down can increase stature by 1 to 3 cm.
- After death, stature increases by 1.5 cm in males and 2 cm in females.
- Symphysis Pubis:
- The symphysis pubis lies about halfway up the body at the age of 14 years.
- Approximate Stature from Dismembered Body Parts:
- Length from sternal notch to symphysis pubis multiplied by 3.3 provides an estimate of stature.
- The length of the forearm is equal to 5/19 of the stature.
- The height of the head from top to tip of the chin is 1/7 of the stature.
- Twice the length of one arm plus 34 cm equals the overall height.
- The length of the entire skeleton plus 2 to 4 cm can also be used.
- Specific Bone Measurements:
- Femur: 3.6 – 3.8 (approximately 27% of total height).
- Tibia and Fibula: Approximately 22% of total height.
- Humerus: 5.30 (approximately 20% of total height).
- Radius: 6.7 – 6.9.
- Ulna: 6.0 – 6.3.
- Spine contributes about 35% to the overall height.