Two-dimensional craniometry: morphometry and cephalometry

Over the last twenty years, bone research has raised interest; the function, shape and alterations of bone tissue have been analyzed and reported. Craniometry is a method developed as a tool for the precise measurement of the skull and facial structures and it has been used not only for humans, but for a variety of mammals.  Morphometry is used to study and quantitatively compare the shape variation of biological objects, organs and organisms. Cephalometry uses two-dimensional measurements of the head and face involving a radiographic analysis to provide data on soft tissue, dental and skeletal relationships. Papers regarding bone research are difficult to access and usually, craniometry and morphometry are reported separately.  The object of this article is to report a two-dimensional craniometry performed in rats, using both morphometry and cephalometry. This specific craniometry is a functional, well established method which involves the entire anatomical aspects of the skull.