Ref ID:	34659
Ref Type:	Journal Article
Authors:	Huggare, Jan Houghton, Philip
Title:	Asymmetry in the human skeleton. A study on prehistoric Polynesians and Thais
Date:	1995
Source:	European Journal of Morphology
Abstract:	Results suggest a pervading asymmetry of skeletal structures which we ascribe as local adaptations to functional demands rather than as due to uniform asymmetric growth pattern. The asymmetry found in the atlanto-occipital facet angulation could be explained, as least if the functional viewpoint is to be considered, as an adaptation to head rotation. The significantly larger angle on the right side then reflects a head rotation predominantly to the left. A constant unidirectional rotation of the head is often related to work or other activities in a static position. As a the prehistoric Thai people in fact were frequently involved with handicraft and art (Higham et al 1987 Higham and Bannanurag 1990) it is interesting to notice that atlanto-occipital facet angulation asymmetry was significant only in the Thai subjects and not the Maori.
Date Created:	7/5/2001
Volume:	33
Number:	1
Page Start:	3
Page End:	14