title: Genetic analysis of the pinna of the human ear: sex differences in college age adults.
abstract: Photographs of the left ears of 113 male and 197 female students of the University of Northern Colorado were taken using a 35mm camera with 50mm lens, small electronic flash, +4 close-up lens, and ASA 100 color film. Camera and flash attachment were mounted on a light metal frame positioning the camera 90 degrees to the head and a specific distance from the ear. Metric scale and counter were mounted so they were visible in the photograph. Eight vertical measures and eight horizontal measures were made, and 15 subjective-objective data taken. Means, variances, and interrelationships were determined. Mean height for males was approximately five inches greater than for females. Vertical measures were standardized by expressing ear/body height as a ratio. Three vertical measures--width of the superior helix, distance from superior helix to the edge of antihelix, and distance from antihelix to tip of the lobule--and three horizontal measures--width of the pinna, width of the posterior helix, and width of the notch--appear to be under specific genetic regulation in the two sexes.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D004431:Ear, External / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D005826:Genetics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors