Rugae pattern in a Saudi population sample of males and females

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify and compare the rugae pattern in Saudi males and females, which may be an additional method of identification in cases of crimes or aircraft accidents. Alginate impressions of the palate of selected 120 Saudis, 60 males and 60 females, were poured in stone. The casts were free of voids and air bubbles. The method of identification of rugae pattern followed, was that of Thomas (1983) which includes the number, shape and unification of rugae. A magnified lens was used for identification and a plastic ruler was used for measurements. All measurements were in mm and were done by one examiner. The study revealed that there was no significant difference in the total number or length of rugae between the two sexes. The different types of rugae between the male and female were statistically compared. The female showed a significant difference in the converge type while the male had a significant difference in the circular type. It may be concluded that the rugae pattern can be an additional method of differentiation between the Saudi male and female in conjunction with the other methods such as visual, fingerprints, and dental characteristics in forensic sciences.