Dolichocephala

Dolichocephala refers to a head shape characterized by a relatively long length compared to its width. It is a term primarily used in anthropometry and physical anthropology to describe a cranial index below a specific threshold. The cranial index, also known as the cephalic index, is calculated as the ratio of maximum head breadth (side to side) to maximum head length (front to back), multiplied by 100.

The classification of head shape as dolichocephalic (long-headed), brachycephalic (broad-headed), or mesocephalic (intermediate) is based on established ranges of the cranial index. While the exact thresholds vary slightly depending on the anthropologist or research context, a cranial index typically below 75 or 76 is considered dolichocephalic.

Historically, the study of head shape and cranial indices was used in attempts to classify human populations and races. However, these methods have been widely discredited due to their association with scientific racism and the understanding that head shape is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, exhibiting significant variation within and between populations.

The term dolichocephala is still used in medical contexts, such as in the description of certain congenital conditions or in the evaluation of skull deformities, where precise measurement of cranial dimensions is clinically relevant. However, its use in broader anthropological or racial classifications is largely considered obsolete and scientifically unsound. The focus has shifted towards understanding the complex biological and environmental factors contributing to cranial morphology, rather than using it as a means for racial categorization.