Identification: sexing of the hip bone: 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 of the hip bone

Sample item

A fragment of an adult hip bone is examined for sex. In which situation does the finding favour a female?

AA relatively long pubis, giving a high ischiopubic indexBA heavy, rugged bone with large muscle markingsCA subpubic angle of about 60 degreesDA narrow, deep greater sciatic notch

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. A relatively long pubis, giving a high ischiopubic index

In the female pelvis the pubic ramus is longer relative to the ischium, so the ischiopubic index (pubic length divided by ischial length) is higher than in males. Males have a narrow sciatic notch, an acute subpubic angle, and robust bones. Combined features give a higher accuracy than any single trait.

Option by option

A. A relatively long pubis, giving a high ischiopubic index (correct)
Correct. A long pubis relative to the ischium is a female trait.
B. A heavy, rugged bone with large muscle markings
Rugged bones with prominent markings are male features.
C. A subpubic angle of about 60 degrees
An acute subpubic angle is male; the female angle is wide, about 90 degrees or more.
D. A narrow, deep greater sciatic notch
A narrow, deep notch is a male feature; the female notch is wide.

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 A, A relatively long pubis, giving a high ischiopubic index. In the female pelvis the pubic ramus is longer relative to the ischium, so the ischiopubic index (pubic length divided by ischial length) is higher than in males.

Why is "A heavy, rugged bone with large muscle markings" not the answer?

Rugged bones with prominent markings are male features.

Why is "A subpubic angle of about 60 degrees" not the answer?

An acute subpubic angle is male; the female angle is wide, about 90 degrees or more.

Why is "A narrow, deep greater sciatic notch" not the answer?

A narrow, deep notch is a male feature; the female notch is wide.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Identification: sexing of the hip bone in Forensic Medicine. Males have a narrow sciatic notch, an acute subpubic angle, and robust bones. Combined features give a higher accuracy than any single trait.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 of the hip bone?

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.