brachycephalic etymology

Etymology:

  • Greek: "brachy-" (short) + "cephalus" (head)

Meaning:

  • Relating to a type of skull shape characterized by a short, broad head with a shortened facial region.

Origin:

The term "brachycephalic" was first coined by the Swedish anthropologist Anders Retzius in 1840. Retzius used it to describe the rounder head shape of certain northern European populations, such as the Sami (formerly known as Lapps).

Retzius believed that head shape was an indicator of racial superiority, and he used the term "brachycephalic" to denote a "higher" type of skull shape. However, this view is now considered racist and scientifically invalid.

Usage:

In modern anthropology, the term "brachycephalic" is used to describe a skull shape with a breadth-to-length ratio of greater than 0.85. This type of skull shape is common in certain populations, such as some Asian and Native American groups.

Brachycephalic head shapes are often associated with certain physical characteristics, such as a wide face, a short nose, and a well-developed chin. They can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as acromegaly and thyroid disorders.

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