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Posted on October 24, 2007 by Jason Petrina | Posted under Health
Identifying Skeleton Bones through Forensic Anthropology
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In terms of estimating age, there are several factors that can assist forensic anthropologists in making their calculations. One of the most important of these factors is what is known as cranial development. Anthropologists can make a determination regarding age based on three important factors related to cranial development. The size of the calvarium as well as the stage of tooth eruption and the calcification of teeth are important factors in placing the age of a child. The length of the bones also plays an important role. For example, anthropologists can place the age of a body between 17 and 25 based on fusion of epiphyses in the humerus. Rather than development, skeletal deterioration plays an important role in the identification of individuals who are at least 60 years of age or older. Tooth loss, of course, is one of the most important identifying factors when working with bodies that are anticipated to fall in the elderly age range. Gender of a body is determined from four different factors. These are skull, pelvis, femur and teeth. Major differences between skulls in males and females assist with gender identification. These differences include round chins in females versus square chins in males, the presence of large canine teeth in men and the absence of such teeth in women and the presence of sharp orbital borders in women and the lack of these borders in men. In regards to the pelvis, females tend to have wider, broader sciatic notches than men. The femur can also provide clues to gender identification, specifically the fact that bones in men tend to bear significant evidence of muscle attachments and weight bearing. Bodies can also be classified as American Negroid, American Indian or Caucasian based on several factors related to skeleton bones. Major differences between the three race classifications include mid-facial and dental characteristics. American Negroid skulls typically contain rectangular orbits, with American Indians possessing round orbits and Caucasians presenting sloped orbits. From the study of human skeleton bones, anthropologists can also make determination regarding whether an individual suffered from specific types of diseases. Some of the diseases they are able to identify based on skeleton remains include periodontal disease, arthritis, tuberculosis and osteoporosis. Interestingly enough, anthropologists may even be able to gain clues regarding the occupation of an individual based on markers of occupational stress that may be present on the bones. Forensic anthropology is commonly associated with the identification of crime victims; however, there are numerous other applications. When the bodies of soldiers are discovered years after a war has ended, forensic anthropology and the study of skeleton bones can shed light on the identify of individuals who have been classified as MIA for years, if not decades. The study of skeleton bones can also assist in helping us to learn more about ancient cultures and civilizations. About The Author: Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com |
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