The Cranial Index is a measurement used in anthropology and anatomy to describe the shape of the human skull. It is calculated by dividing the maximum width of the skull by its maximum length and then multiplying the result by 100. This index helps categorize skull shapes into three main types: dolichocephalic (long and narrow), mesocephalic (medium), and brachycephalic (short and broad). Understanding the cranial index can provide insights into human evolution, population studies, and even forensic science. It is often used in studies related to human biology, archaeology, and physical anthropology to analyze variations among different groups.