Identification: skull superimposition: practice question

A Forensic Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Forensic Medicine · Identification: skull superimposition

Sample item

Skeletal remains have been recovered and a photograph of a missing person is available. Which technique compares them by overlaying an image of the skull on the photograph?

AFrontal sinus radiographyBClay facial reconstructionCPhotographic or video superimpositionDAnthropometric measurement of the limbs

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Photographic or video superimposition

In superimposition, a photograph or video image of the skull is overlaid on an ante-mortem photograph at the same size and orientation, and landmarks such as the orbits, nose and teeth are compared. It is mainly useful for excluding a match, and is not an absolute proof of identity.

Option by option

A. Frontal sinus radiography
Frontal sinus radiography compares radiographs of the sinus pattern, not a photograph.
B. Clay facial reconstruction
Clay facial reconstruction builds a likeness over the skull and does not overlay the photograph.
C. Photographic or video superimposition (correct)
Superimposition overlays the skull image on the photograph for comparison.
D. Anthropometric measurement of the limbs
Limb measurements estimate stature and do not compare a skull with a photograph.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Forensic Medicine question

What is the answer to this Forensic Medicine question?

The best answer is C, Photographic or video superimposition. In superimposition, a photograph or video image of the skull is overlaid on an ante-mortem photograph at the same size and orientation, and landmarks such as the orbits, nose and teeth are compared.

Why is "Frontal sinus radiography" not the answer?

Frontal sinus radiography compares radiographs of the sinus pattern, not a photograph.

Why is "Clay facial reconstruction" not the answer?

Clay facial reconstruction builds a likeness over the skull and does not overlay the photograph.

Why is "Anthropometric measurement of the limbs" not the answer?

Limb measurements estimate stature and do not compare a skull with a photograph.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Identification: skull superimposition in Forensic Medicine. It is mainly useful for excluding a match, and is not an absolute proof of identity.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Identification: skull superimposition?

Learn postmortem changes with their timelines, and toxicology as poison, sign, test and antidote. Then use the flashcards and the other Forensic Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.