Mesocephalic

Mesocephalic is a term used in physical anthropology to describe a skull whose cephalic index places it between the long-headed (dolichocephalic) and the short-headed (brachycephalic) types. The cephalic index is defined as the ratio of maximum cranial breadth to maximum cranial length, multiplied by 100. In practice, mesocephalic skulls typically have a cephalic index in the mid-range, commonly around 75–79 (some sources use 75–80). This yields an intermediate head width-to-length proportion and an overall oval to moderately rounded silhouette.

Mesocephalic is one of several standard cranial shape categories used in anthropometry, alongside dolichocephalic and brachycephalic. Measurements are usually taken from skulls or living heads using anatomical landmarks and calipers. The category is descriptive rather than precise; many populations contain individuals that cross category boundaries, and indices can vary with age, sex, nutrition, and environmental factors.

In dental, forensic, and anthropological contexts, mesocephaly helps summarize skull form but does not reliably indicate ancestry or ethnicity. The concept reflects normal human cranial variation and is used primarily for cataloging shape in descriptive studies rather than for diagnostic or forensic conclusions.

See also: dolichocephaly, brachycephaly, cephalic index, craniometry.