Anthropometric Terms Glossary

A reference for the anatomical landmarks and technical terms used throughout Humanform's measurement definitions.

Acromion The bony tip at the outer edge of the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder joint. A common reference landmark for shoulder-related measurements, including shoulder height, shoulder breadth (biacromial), and upper arm length.

Anthropometry The scientific study of human body measurements. Anthropometric data underpins ergonomic design, clothing sizing, medical assessment, and equipment design across nearly every industry that involves the human body.

Biacromial Measured between the two acromion points (see Acromion). Represents the bony width of the shoulders, independent of muscle mass, narrower than bideltoid breadth.

Bideltoid Measured across the widest point of the shoulders, including the deltoid muscles. Wider than biacromial breadth, since it includes surrounding muscle rather than bone alone.

Bitragion Measured between the two tragion points (see Tragion), spanning the head at ear level. Used in headset, hearing protection, and eyewear design.

Breadth A horizontal, side-to-side dimension across a body part (e.g. shoulder breadth, hip breadth). Distinct from depth, which runs front-to-back.

Circumference / Girth The total distance around a body part (e.g. neck circumference, head girth). Used interchangeably in most anthropometric contexts; "girth" is more common for head and limb measurements, "circumference" for torso and limb measurements.

Crotch point The point where the legs meet the torso. Used as a reference landmark for crotch height and related leg-length measurements.

Depth A front-to-back dimension through a body part (e.g. chest depth, abdominal depth). Distinct from breadth, which runs side-to-side.

Glabella The smooth, flat area of the forehead directly between the eyebrows, above the bridge of the nose. A key reference landmark for head length and related facial measurements.

Greater trochanter A bony prominence on the outer side of the upper thigh, at hip level. The standard landmark for hip height and leg length measurements, distinct from and lower than the iliac crest at the waist.

Landmark A specific, repeatable anatomical reference point used to define where a measurement starts or ends. Anthropometric measurements rely on precise landmarks (rather than approximate locations) to ensure consistency across different people taking the same measurement.

Olecranon The bony point of the elbow. The standard reference landmark for forearm length, upper arm length, and other elbow-related measurements.

Percentile A statistical measure describing where a value falls within a population's distribution. See Understanding Percentiles for a full explanation of percentile-based design methodology.

PIP joint (proximal interphalangeal joint) The middle knuckle of a finger, between the base knuckle (MCP joint) and the fingertip. Used as a landmark for finger width measurements relevant to ring sizing and glove design.

Popliteal Relating to the back of the knee. Popliteal height (from a seated surface to the back of the knee) is a foundational measurement in chair and seat design.

Selion The deepest point of the nose bridge, between the eyes, where the nose meets the forehead. Used in eyewear and helmet nose bridge design.

Stomion The point where the upper and lower lips meet at the center of the mouth. Used in respirator, oxygen mask, and facial proportion measurements.

Tragion The small notch at the top of the ear canal opening, where the ear meets the face. A key landmark for head-width and depth measurements used in headset, eyewear, and hearing protection design.

This glossary covers terminology used across Humanform's measurement definitions. For guidance on taking any specific measurement, see the individual measurement pages under Measurements.