Dolichomorphic
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Dolichomorphic refers to an elongated body type, contrasting with brachymorphic (shortened) and mesomorphic (average) types. In Kretschmer's constitutional psychology, asthenics are typically dolichomorphic while pyknics are brachymorphic.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Dolichomorphic (from Greek dolichos- long and morphe- form), longiform, a rather general and vague term found in literature for an elongated body type alongside brachymorphic (brachys- short), i.e. shortened, and mesomorphic- average. Of constitutional types, according to Kretschmer, the asthenic is usually dolichomorphic, while the pyknic is brachymorphic. The concept of dolichomorphism is most precisely defined in relation to the head: dolichocephalics, or long-headed individuals, are those with a cephalic index (width of head × 100) ÷ length of head less than 75.9. Dolichocephaly is considered one of racial characteristics. See also Brachycephaly.
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Cite this page
“Dolichomorphic.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/dolichomorphic/