Regression Formula
Definition
Linear equation of the form Stature = a + b × bone length (in cm), used to estimate living stature from a measured long bone; population- and sex-specific.
- Form
- Stature = a + b x bone length (cm)
- Specificity
- Population- and sex-specific coefficients
- Input
- A measured long bone length
- Output
- Estimated living stature
Common questions
Why can't the same regression formula be used across different populations?+
Limb proportion relative to overall stature varies systematically between populations due to genetic and environmental factors, so a formula derived from one population's skeletal reference data will systematically over- or under-estimate stature when applied to a different population.
Which bones give the most reliable stature estimate using a regression formula?+
The femur generally gives the most reliable and precise estimate because its length correlates most strongly with overall stature, followed by the tibia and humerus, while shorter bones such as those of the hand or foot carry wider prediction intervals.
Related terms
- Biological Profile
- The four-part osteological description of an unidentified individual: sex, age range, population affinity (ancestry), and estimated stature. The profile constrains the pool...
- Epiphyseal Fusion
- The obliteration of the cartilaginous growth plate and bony union of the epiphysis with the diaphysis. Fusion sequence and timing form the...
- Forensic Anthropology
- The laboratory and scene-side discipline concerned with the analysis of skeletal and decomposed remains to establish biological profile, manner of death, trauma,...
- Glabella
- The midline prominence on the frontal bone between the superciliary arches. Scored 1 (flat, female) to 5 (highly prominent, male). Correlated with...
- Gustafson Method
- Dental ageing method based on six progressive changes in a single tooth: attrition, periodontosis, secondary dentine, cementum apposition, root resorption and root...
- Haversian System (Osteon)
- Cylindrical structural unit of compact bone with a central Haversian canal, concentric lamellae and osteocytes in lacunae; pattern and canal density differ...
- Mastoid Process
- The conical projection inferior to the external auditory meatus on the temporal bone. Attachment for sternocleidomastoid and splenius capitis muscles. Scored 1...
- Sciatic Notch (Greater)
- Notch on the posterior border of the hip bone; wide and shallow in females (greater than 60 degrees), narrow and deep in...
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Systematic physical differences between biological males and females of a species. In teeth it is expressed mainly as size: males average larger...
- Subpubic Angle
- The angle at the inferior apex of the pubic arch where the two inferior pubic rami meet. Acute (below 90 degrees) in...
- Trotter and Gleser Formulae
- Long-bone regression equations published in 1952 and 1958 (American war-dead and Korean War remains) for estimating living stature in Whites, Blacks, Mongoloids...