Anca Indrei, Gr. D. Mihalache, Gr. Mihalache
The neurocranium, the part of the skull enclosing the brain, plays a significant role in the skeleton. This is the reason for which it has been the subject of many studies, that have not clarified all its anatomic but, most of all, anthropological aspects. Material and method: Our research is based on the study of 60 skulls from the collection belonging to ―Ion Iancu‖ Institute of Anatomy and to Iaşi Institute of Anthropology. 30 skulls dated from the 1st century (15 male skulls and 15 female skulls) and 30 from the 20th century (also, 15 male skulls and 15 female skulls). We grouped these skulls by age, resulting thus 12 sub-categories. We studied the braincase bones of each skull, noticing first of all any potential variations. We also measured the maximum cranial length and width of each skull, and we determined the cephalic index, and the cranial capacity. Results: Our study revealed several variations of the neurocranium bones, and the anthropometric values showed that most of the investigated skulls from the 1st century were dolichocephalic and mesocephalic in the 20th century. We should also mention that the skulls from the 20th century had an increased cranial capacity than those from the 1st century.