DefinePK

Abstract

The hair distribution pattern on the phalanges of the hand was studied in the Ogba ethnic group of Southern Nigeria. One hundred subjects comprising of 43 females and 57 males, aged 16-35 years were randomly selected between 2009 and 2010. The dorsum of the hands of subjects was physically inspected for phalangeal hair distribution. Observations were categorized into gender and phalangeal hair patterns. Relationship between gender and patterns was assessed by Fisher146s exact test. Result shows hair distribution patterns 1-2-3-4-5 10, 2-3-4-5 65, 2-3-4 7, 3-4-5 9, 3-4 6. One percent were without hair in there proximal phalanges. Result also shows that 12 of subjects had hair in their middle phalanges and a 0 occurrence of hair in the distal phalanges. The pattern 3-4-5 show a significance female preponderance, p0.005 fisher146s exact test. This study also established that interethnic and racial variations exist in phalangeal hair distribution. Hence, confirming that biological anthropologic trait varies amongst various human populations.