On skeletal examination to determine sex, the most reliable single skeletal element is:
- A Pelvis — shape of subpubic angle, sciatic notch, and sacrum curvature ✓
- B Cranium — supraorbital ridges and mastoid process size
- C Femur — bicondylar angle (obliquity)
- D Mandible — robustness and gonial angle
Correct answer: A. Pelvis — shape of subpubic angle, sciatic notch, and sacrum curvature
Explanation
The pelvis is the most reliable single skeletal structure for sex determination, with accuracy of 95% or more when using multiple pelvic criteria (subpubic angle >90° in females, wide sciatic notch, broader pubic body, obturator foramen oval in females vs triangular in males, curved sacrum). The skull is the second most reliable (80–90% accuracy using mastoid, supraorbital ridges, glabella). The femur's bicondylar angle differs between sexes but has much lower discriminant accuracy as an isolated criterion.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.