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Forensic Anthropology What We Learn From Bones Characteristics of Bone • Bones originate from cells called osteoblasts. • Bones begin as soft cartilage. • Osteoblasts replace the cartilage by depositing minerals in a process called ossification. Characteristics of Bone • An adult has 206 bones but a baby has over 300 bones! • Joint - where bones meet • Cartilage - wraps the end of bones for protection; keeps bones from scraping • Ligaments - bands of tissue connecting two or more bones • Tendons - connect muscle to bone What Bones Can Tell Us • Osteobiography - the story of a life as told by the bones • A forensic anthropologist aids in the identification and cause of death of skeletal remains, as well as the recovery of remains using archaeological techniques. What story does this tell? Initial Questions: • Is it bone? • Is it human? • What bones are present? • How many people? • Are they modern or ancient? Specific Determinations: Sex skull & pelvis Age skull (sutures) & teeth Ancestry European, Asian, African (hard to determine) Stature long bones (use formula) Unique Characteristics disorders, diseases, fractures Final Questions: • Who is this individual? • What happened? • When did it happen? How to determine sex: MALE FEMALE A C How to determine age: B D Can you sequence them youngest to oldest? a= 4 months b = 12 c = 6 d=3 How to Determine Age: SKULL •Suture Marks - zigzag marks that are found on the skull where bones meet. •These marks slowly disappear as the bones harden & eventually mature. Closed at about age 50 Closed at about age 32 Begins closing at age 21 Accelerates at age 26 Closed at about age 30 Can we determine ancestry? Which is African? Which is Asian? Which is European? *Although the concept of race assessment is controversial, certain features of the skull may be of use in differentiating ancestral groups for forensic purposes. How to determine height: