Identification: sexing the skull: 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: sexing the skull

Sample item

An anthropologist examines a skull to determine sex. Which feature favours a female skull?

AProminent external occipital protuberanceBSharp upper orbital marginCSquare and heavy chinDLarge mastoid process

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Sharp upper orbital margin

Female skulls are smaller and smoother, with a sharp supraorbital margin, a rounded forehead, small mastoid processes and a pointed chin. Male skulls have heavier muscle markings and blunt orbital margins.

Option by option

A. Prominent external occipital protuberance
A prominent external occipital protuberance reflects strong nuchal muscles and is a male feature.
B. Sharp upper orbital margin (correct)
A sharp, thin upper orbital margin is characteristic of the female skull.
C. Square and heavy chin
A square, heavy chin is a male mandibular feature, whereas the female chin is pointed.
D. Large mastoid process
A large mastoid process is a male feature related to heavier neck muscles.

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 B, Sharp upper orbital margin. Female skulls are smaller and smoother, with a sharp supraorbital margin, a rounded forehead, small mastoid processes and a pointed chin.

Why is "Prominent external occipital protuberance" not the answer?

A prominent external occipital protuberance reflects strong nuchal muscles and is a male feature.

Why is "Square and heavy chin" not the answer?

A square, heavy chin is a male mandibular feature, whereas the female chin is pointed.

Why is "Large mastoid process" not the answer?

A large mastoid process is a male feature related to heavier neck muscles.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Identification: sexing the skull in Forensic Medicine. Male skulls have heavier muscle markings and blunt orbital margins.

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: sexing the skull?

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.