Hair morphology and anthropological applications.
The histological study of hair has a long history, dating from the 19th century. We obtained a collection of hair taken from people of known geographic origin. We analyzed these samples according to their transversal cut shape index, derived from computerized image-processing. We noted statistically significant variation according to the geographic origin of subjects. This morphological variation may reflect genetic distance. This reliable, quick, and cheap technique could be used in other existing anthropological material for which DNA analysis is usually difficult.
Guilbeau-Frugier
Céline
C
Laboratoire d'Anatomie et Cytologie Pathologiques, CHU Rangueil, Toulouse 31400, France. GUILBEAUD-FRUGIER.C@chu-toulouse.fr
Blanc
Antony
A
Crubezy
Eric
E
Delisle
Marie-Bernadette
MB
Rouge
Daniel
D
Telmon
Norbert
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000349:Africa; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000885:Anthropology, Physical / Q000379:methods; D001208:Asia; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006197:Hair / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D044469:Racial Groups / Q000235:genetics