1. Forensic Anthropology

2. The application of the science of physical anthropology and human anatomy in a legal setting, most often in criminal cases where the victim’s body is more or less skeletonized.

4. A forensic anthropologist can also assist in the identification of deceased individuals whose remains are decomposed, burned, mutilated, or otherwise damaged.

5. Cartilage Before Bones
Most bones in humans develop from masses of cartilage. Cartilage is gradually replaced with true bone. As long as cartilage is present in the bone, the bone can continue to grow.

6. If cartilage is seen at the ends of bones, there will be further growth. As you grow, bones get longer and harder.

7. Growing and Changing
During life, minerals are deposited and removed to/from bone
Childhood: deposit of minerals occurs faster than mineral removal
Bones grow

9. Females grow until 18 years of age

10. After 35 bone loss exceeds bone gain
Rib bones change with age
Children have smooth sternal ends
Adults have cup- shaped and jagged ends with increasing age

11. Pelvic Girdle Changes
Child’s pelvic girdle consists of three bones: ilium, ischium, pubis
Three bones eventually fuse to form adult pelvic girdle

12. Serves as area of attachment for bones and muscles of the legs
Females: Wider pelvises which are necessary for childbearing and childbirth
Large pubic arch, bones are lighter and smoother

13. Male or Female?
Pelvic Girdle Female skull is rounder and smaller than the male’s. the female’s forehead is longer vertically and the jaw is smaller.

14. The female sacrum is wider and shorter than the male’s.
In a female, the coccyx is more moveable than in a male

15. Skulls Grow
Bone’s of a child’s head are not fused together - they are separated by membranes called fontanelles or soft spots

16. Allows for movement so skull can change shape
Allows for compressibility so that the infant can pass through the birth canal

17. Bones tell a story
Compare size of bones in each hand to determine if the person is left or right handed
Bones in limbs that are used a lot are larger than bones in limbs that receive little use
Bones with loss of use are smaller

18. Breaks, degenerative bone and joint diseases are easy to find

19. Damage to the hyoid bone indicates trauma to the throat