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.
Olabiyi
A O
AO
Department of Anatomy, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
Akpantah
A O
AO
Oyerinde
O F
OF
Gbotolorun
S C
SC
Eluwa
M A
MA
Ekanem
T B
TB
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