Subpubic Angle
Definition
The angle at the inferior apex of the pubic arch where the two inferior pubic rami meet. Acute (below 90 degrees) in males; obtuse (above 90 degrees) in females. Varies by population; Indian reference from Mukherjee 1955.
- Location
- Below the pubic symphysis, formed by inferior pubic rami
- Female range
- Greater than 90 degrees
- Male range
- Less than 90 degrees, typically 60 to 70
- Use
- Sex estimation from skeletal remains
Common questions
Why is this the same trait discussed elsewhere as the sub-pubic angle?+
Both terms describe the same pelvic angle used in sex estimation; the difference is spelling convention between sources, one using a hyphen and one not. Both apply the same acute-in-males, obtuse-in-females rule central to the Phenice pelvic method.
Why is the pelvis generally preferred over the skull for sex estimation when both are available?+
The pelvis carries a more direct functional link to sex, shaped by the demands of childbirth, so its dimorphic features tend to give a higher accuracy rate than cranial traits. Skull-based methods are typically used as a secondary or supporting line of evidence when the pelvis is incomplete or absent.
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...
- Greater Sciatic Notch
- The posterior notch on the ilium between the posterior inferior iliac spine and the ischial spine. Narrow and V-shaped in males; wide...
- 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...
- Klales 2012 Revision
- An ordinal revision of the Phenice method by Ashley Klales using a 1-5 scale for each trait and a logistic regression to...
- Mastoid Process
- The conical projection inferior to the external auditory meatus on the temporal bone. Attachment for sternocleidomastoid and splenius capitis muscles. Scored 1...
- Obstetric Trade-Off
- The evolutionary conflict in humans between the biomechanical benefit of a narrow pelvis for efficient bipedal locomotion and the obstetric requirement for...
- Phenice Method
- A non-metric morphological sex estimation technique published by Thomas Phenice in 1969, based on scoring three traits of the pubic bone: the...
- Pre-Auricular Sulcus
- A groove anterior to the auricular surface of the ilium, associated with parturition stress at the sacroiliac joint. Present in 58-70 per...
Explained in these topics
- Sex Estimation from the Pelvis: Phenice, Sciatic Notch and Sub-Pubic Angle
- Skeletal Remains: Species, Sex, Age, Stature and IdentificationAngle formed by the inferior pubic rami below the pubic symphysis; greater than 90 degrees in females, less than 90 (typically 60 to 70) degrees in males.