Dolichocephalic

Dolichocephalic is a term used in anatomy and craniometry to describe a skull that is relatively long from front to back and comparatively narrow in width. The term derives from the Greek dolichos, "long," and kephale, "head." In practical terms, a dolichocephalic skull has a low cephalic index, a ratio of maximum width to maximum length, multiplied by 100.

The cephalic index (CI) is calculated as (maximum skull breadth × 100) / maximum skull length. Values typically used in craniometry distinguish dolichocephalic, mesocephalic, and brachycephalic skulls: dolichocephalic generally when CI is below about 75; mesocephalic around 75–80; brachycephalic above about 80. Exact cutoffs vary by source and population.

Dolichocephaly can be a normal human variation seen in many populations. It can also reflect developmental factors or pathological conditions, such as premature fusion of the sagittal suture (scaphocephaly) or positional molding in infancy. Distinction from other head shapes is important in anthropology, forensic science, and craniofacial medicine, where skull morphology relates to function, growth, and diagnosis.

In anthropology and paleontology, dolichocephalic skulls help describe fossil hominins and ancient populations, while in veterinary contexts it describes elongated skulls seen in certain breeds (for example, greyhounds).