Difference between the male and female skeletons. The skeleton serves as the internal support of the body. Each gender has its own peculiarities in this bodily structure. Let’s explore the differences between the male and female skeletons.
General Information
There are over two hundred large and small bones in the human skeleton. Newborns, in particular, have a significantly larger number of these elements. However, during the body’s development, some bones lose their independence and fuse with others. This fusion occurs, for instance, in the area of the skull and pelvis.
Besides its supporting function, the skeleton serves other purposes. Muscles are attached to this framework, controlling bone movement like levers. Additionally, the rigid structure of the skeleton reliably protects the internal organs from injuries. The bone structure also plays a role in other bodily aspects.
Comparison
It’s important to note that determining the gender of a specific skeleton with certainty is not always feasible. Difficulties in this matter can arise even for forensic experts and scientists. Below, we’ll discuss the characteristics related to the most typical specimens.
Firstly, let’s consider the difference between the male and female skeletons in the area of the skull. This part of the skeletal system in the male population is more voluminous. The male skull is characterized by prominent brow ridges, a distinct bulge at the back of the head, and massive “square” jaws. In contrast, the female skull is lighter and more evenly shaped. The female forehead is more vertical, positioned higher, and the jawlines are more tapered.
The male clavicles (collarbones) are longer and more curved. The entire shoulder girdle in males is more robust, allowing them to handle more serious physical loads. In individuals belonging to the male gender, the ribcage is wider (with the same number of ribs). It’s also worth mentioning another reliable gender indicator – the ratio of the length of the index finger to the ring finger. In women, these limb elements are usually equal, or the first one extends further than the second. Men more often have an index finger shorter in length compared to the ring finger.
However, the most noticeable difference lies in the structure of the pelvic region. What distinguishes the male and female skeletons from this perspective? In females, everything is adapted for the successful execution of their main biological function. The female pelvis is wider in relation to the shoulders and lighter. The space between its bones is more spacious and doesn’t narrow downwards, in contrast to the male structure in this area. Such features facilitate the smooth passage of a child during childbirth.
When comparing the shape of the sacrum, it can be observed that in males, this complex bone is longer. In representatives of the opposite sex, there is greater flexibility in the joints, providing an advantage in terms of body flexibility. Additionally, in the female figure, the lower back protrudes forward, while the buttocks are positioned further backward. This is also determined by the peculiarities of the skeletal structure.
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