Forensic Anthropology

Flashcards covering key concepts from forensic anthropology including definitions and terms related to the study of skeletal remains.

Forensic Anthropology

The branch of physical anthropology that uses anthropological data, criteria, and techniques to determine sex, age, genetic population, or parentage of skeletal or biological materials in legal contexts.

MNI

Minimum number of individuals.

Determining Sex in Forensic Anthropology

Typically assessed using the skull or pelvis.

Determining Age in Forensic Anthropology

Evaluated through the humerus, femur, or tibia (fused bones) and the presence of primary or secondary teeth.

Ancestry in Forensic Anthropology

Specific features of the skull that suggest geographic ancestry, though its value is declining due to mixed heritage.

Stature in Forensic Anthropology

Determined using long bones, such as the femur, to estimate an individual's height.

Postmortem

Occurs after death, usually related to examinations of the body post-death.

Postmortem Interval

The time elapsed between a person's death and the discovery of the remains.

Hypostasis

The settling of blood and other fluids to the dependent areas of the body, occurring within hours after death.

Algor Mortis

The post-mortem cooling of the body, used to estimate the time of death within the first 24 hours.

Rigor Mortis

Stiffness of the body that occurs several hours after death.

Putrefaction

The decomposition of body tissues.

Decomposition

The process of rotting or decay.

Ante-mortem

Injuries or conditions present before death, indicating evidence of healing.

Peri-mortem

Conditions or injuries occurring at or around the time of death.

Sharp Force Trauma

Injury to soft tissue or bone caused by a sharp-edged or pointed weapon.

Blunt Force Trauma

Injury caused by a blow that does not penetrate the skin or other tissues.

Projectile Trauma

Injuries from objects flying through the air at high velocity that impact bones.