title: Forensic and Anthropological Application of Body Asymmetry: A Comment on Gutnik et al. (2015).
abstract: The present communication describes the application of bilateral asymmetry in forensic casework and anthropological research. Bilateral asymmetry is normal in the human body. The body's asymmetry is attributable to genetic and environmental (evolutionary) reasons. Handedness is a factor related to bilateral asymmetry. Gutnik et al. (2015) supported previous research, showing that the dominant side of the body is stronger than the other side due to additional stress and strain, and thus has augmented musculature and increased mass. The note is intended to elaborate on the applications of body asymmetry in forensic and anthropological practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anthropology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
authors.forename: Kewal
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Krishan
authors.affiliation: Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Kasturba Medical College (A Constituent College of Manipal University), Mangalore, India tanujkanchan@yahoo.co.in tanuj.kanchan@manipal.edu.
authors.forename: Tanuj
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kanchan
mesh_terms: D004777:Environment; D018732:Forensic Anthropology; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D012106:Research
keywords: anthropology; bilateral asymmetry; forensic casework; human body