Fourier analysis of human soft tissue facial shape: sex differences in normal adults.
Year: 1995
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Sexual dimorphism in human facial form involves both size and shape variations of the soft tissue structures. These variations are conventionally appreciated using linear and angular measurements, as well as ratios, taken from photographs or radiographs. Unfortunately this metric approach provides adequate quantitative information about size only, eluding the problems of shape definition. Mathematical methods such as the Fourier series allow a correct quantitative analysis of shape and of its changes. A method for the reconstruction of outlines starting from selected landmarks and for their Fourier analysis has been developed, and applied to analyse sex differences in shape of the soft tissue facial contour in a group of healthy young adults. When standardised for size, no sex differences were found between both cosine and sine coefficients of the Fourier series expansion. This shape similarity was largely overwhelmed by the very evident size differences and it could be measured only using the proper mathematical methods.
Source: Europe PMC (PubMed Central)
Authors: V F Ferrario, C Sforza, J H Schmitz, A Miani, G Taroni
Institution: University of Milan
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1716729896