Rom J Leg Med [25] 287-292 [2017] DOI: 10.4323/rjlm.2017.287 © 2017 Romanian Society of Legal Medicine 287 FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY Forensic anthropology from skeletal remains to CT scans: A review on sexual dimorphism of human skull Daniela Teodoru-Raghina 1,* , Paula Perlea 2 , Mihai Marinescu 1 _________________________________________________________________________________________ Abstract: Sex estimation remains one of the most important steps in a forensic anthropology context, especially when dealing with deteriorated or fragmented skeletal remains. In this respect, the need for the permanent actualisation of study database, as well of the skeletal remains is obvious. Terefore, besides classical skeletal collections an important amount of data can be obtained from computed imaging of the skeletal system, namely CT scans. Te CT scans have the advantage of being virtually unlimited in number, not having any interference with secular trends, individuals being of known age and sex as well as increase in accessibility and applicability of data, for subsequent statistical and complex analysis (for instance, geometric morphometric). In the following review, we have gathered and compared some of the most signifcant studies in the feld of physical and forensic anthropology focusing on sexual dimorphism on the skull, both on skeletal collections and CT scans. Te results of the studies were similar in terms of sexing accuracy, thus allowing us to conclude that using CT scans in forensic anthropology is a viable and sometimes better option than skeletal collections, in term of data acquisition. Key Words: forensic anthropology, sexual dimorphism, skull, crania, CT scans, geometric morphometrics. 1) “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Forensic Medicine, Bucharest, Romania * Corresponding author: “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Forensic Medicine, Bucharest, Romania, E-mail: danielaraghina@gmail.com 2) “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Bucharest, Romania "All the authors had an equal scientifc contribution to this original article" INTRODUCTION Sex estimation is one of the cornerstones of forensic anthropology expertise, both on living individuals and human skeletal remains. In this respect, the skull is an important skeletal piece for sex estimation, and has been studied extensively in the feld of forensic anthropology, in terms of shape and aspect as well as size [1, 2]. Regarding the assessment of shape and aspect (anthroposcopic method), this is a rather subjective method of observation and description based on the morphological diferences between male and female skull in terms of protuberances, aspect, robustness, proeminences and general appearance. Te metric method (craniometry) is more objective, as it relies on measurements between fxed points, called cranial landmarks. Tere are 3 types of measurements: linear, curvilinear (e.g. circumferences) and estimated cranial volume [3, 4]. It is now unanimously accepted that populations have variations in aspect, proportions and size of the skeletal features – namely crania, therefore the use of populational specifc statistical formulas is of paramount importance for a correct estimation of sexual dimorphism [5, 6]. Considering populational variability of skeletal morphology as the result of multiple factors, both internal (genetics) and external (environment, social and cultural factors, eating habits, etc.) and the increased migration (globalization), as well as the discrete changes over time (secular trends) due to environmental, lifestyle, nutritional factors, researchers recommend periodic updates of statistical functions and formulas - having also in mind