forensics anthropology

Taphonomy

The study of what happens to organisms after death, including decomposition, preservation, and environmental effects.

Suture

A fibrous joint between skull bones where edges meet and fuse.

Osteometry

Measurement of bones for identification, comparison, and biological profile analysis.

Osteoarthritis

Degenerative joint disease caused by cartilage wear, leading to bone-on-bone contact.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells that maintain bone tissue and communicate mechanical stress.

Ossification

The process of bone formation, either by replacing cartilage or forming directly from tissue.

Morphology

The shape, structure, and physical form of an organism or its parts.

Archaeology

Study of past human cultures through material remains.

Anthropology

Study of humans, their biology, cultures, and evolution.

Marrow

1. Soft tissue inside bones that produces blood cells and stores fat

Hyoid

U-shaped bone in the throat that supports the tongue; important in forensic strangulation cases.

Foramen

A natural opening or hole in a bone that allows passage of nerves and blood vessels.

Exoskeleton

Hard external skeleton found in some animals; humans do not have one.

Endoskeleton

Internal skeleton made of bone and cartilage.

Diaphysis

The long, central shaft of a long bone.

Metaphysis

The flared region between the diaphysis and epiphysis where growth occurs.

Epiphysis

The end of a long bone; contains growth plates in juveniles.

Deciduous teeth

1. “Baby teeth” that erupt in childhood and later fall out.

Comingled remains

Mixed skeletal remains from multiple individuals.

Distal

Farther from the trunk or point of attachment.

2. Proximal

Closer to the trunk or point of attachment.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body

Posterior

1. Toward the back of the body.

Anterior

Toward the front of the body.

Superior

Above or toward the head.