The Pearson regression formula is used in forensic anthropology to estimate stature from:
- A Skull base dimensions only
- B Vertebral body heights summed along the entire spine
- C Foot length measured from calcaneus to the tip of the great toe
- D Long bone lengths (femur, tibia, humerus, radius) — with population-specific regression equations converting measured bone length to estimated living stature ✓
Explanation
Stature estimation from skeletal remains uses regression formulae relating long bone lengths to living stature. Pearson's (1899) original formula used femur and tibia; contemporary formulae (Trotter and Gleser for North American populations; Nair and colleagues for Indian populations) derive population-specific regression equations for the femur, tibia, humerus, and radius. The femur provides the most reliable single-bone estimate. Vertebral height summation is an alternative but less commonly used. Skull dimensions primarily contribute to sex and ancestry estimation, not stature. Foot length is used clinically but is less reliable for stature in forensic skeletal analysis.
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.