The distribution of hair on the phalanges of a sample population of Nigerian Yorubas in relation to sex, age and job type.
Five hundred adults aged between 18-35 years were used for the study. The aim of this study was to provide a reference document for Nigerians on the distribution of phalangeal hair using a sample population of Yorubas resident in Ilorin and to assess the effect of job type, age and sex hair distribution. With the help of a hand lens, the pattern and frequency of hair distribution on the proximal, intermediate and distal were randomly chosen from the population. Proximal phalangeal hair was absent in 10 (2%) individuals who were all males. The highest frequency distribution (51%) was found on the 2-3-4-5, digits of proximal phalanges (26% in males and 25% females) while the least (1%) was the 3-5; 1-2-3-5 digital pattern. It was observed that the frequency of middle phalangeal hair was low (1%). Females had less phalangeal hair. Hair was absent on the distal phalanges. Distribution is similar to other populations reported. Age was not a factor in the distribution but individual's job type and sex had effect on hair distribution. Hence people engaged in wet work should wear gloves.
Department of Anatomy, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
A O
AO
Olabiyi
A O
AO
Akpantah
O F
OF
Oyerinde
S C
SC
Gbotolorun
M A
MA
Eluwa
T B
TB
Ekanem
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D044383:Black People; D005260:Female; D050278:Finger Phalanges / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D017575:Gloves, Protective; D006197:Hair / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D009790:Occupations; D010641:Phenotype; D012016:Reference Values; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult