Bell Foresnics Anthropology Vocab

HOSA FORENSICS anthropology terms based on the BELL textbook

Forensic Anthropology

Application of anthropological theory and methods to forensic problems, especially involving human remains

Physical Anthropology

Study of human biological function and variation, particularly skeletal biology

Biological Anthropology

Another term for physical anthropology focused on human biological variation and evolution

Forensic Taphonomy

Study and interpretation of postmortem processes affecting remains

Forensic Archaeology

Recovery and excavation of human remains using archaeological techniques

Facial Approximation

Reconstruction of facial appearance from skeletal remains

Biomechanical Interpretation

Analysis of forces causing skeletal injuries

Biological Profile

Description of age, sex, stature, ancestry, pathology, anomalies, and individual characteristics of remains

Medicolegal Context

Investigation of death or injury for criminal or civil legal purposes

Forensic Pathologist

Medical specialist focusing primarily on soft tissue examination in death investigations

DMORT

Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team used in mass fatality incidents

American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)

Professional organization that includes forensic anthropologists

American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA)

Organization certifying forensic anthropologists at the doctoral level

Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (D-ABFA)

Board-certified forensic anthropologist credential

Human Osteology

Study of human bones

Odontology

Study of teeth

Morphology

Study of shape and form of structures

Human Variation

Differences in physical characteristics among individuals and populations

Evolutionary Theory

Framework explaining changes in populations through time and space

Adult Skeleton

Approximately 206 bones in a mature human

Ossification Centers

Areas where bone tissue forms and develops

Taphonomy

Study of postmortem changes to remains

Decomposition

Breakdown of body tissues after death

Mummification

Preservation of tissues through drying

Scavengers

Animals that modify or scatter remains after death

Cadaver Dogs

Dogs trained to locate decomposition odors

Total Station

Computerized surveying instrument that records three-dimensional locations of evidence

Scatter Pattern

Distribution of remains across an area

Grid System

Organized mapping method used during scene recovery

Screening

Sifting soil to recover small bones, evidence, or artifacts

Grave Matrix

Soil found within a burial feature

Crime Scene Documentation

Recording photographs, maps, notes, and evidence locations before recovery

Forensic Recovery

Systematic collection of human remains and associated evidence

Human Remains

Body tissues or skeletal elements from a human

Forensic Importance

Determination that remains are relevant to a modern legal investigation

Historic Remains

Human remains from historical periods

Prehistoric Remains

Human remains from periods before written records

Taphonomic Context

Environmental setting where remains are found

Postmortem Interval (PMI)

Time elapsed since death

Taphonomic Assessment

Evaluation of postmortem changes affecting remains

Soft Tissue Examination

Analysis of preserved tissues remaining on a body

Articulated Remains

Bones still connected in anatomical position

X-rays

Radiographic images used to identify skeletal structures and hidden evidence

Anomaly

Unusual anatomical characteristic

Pathology

Evidence of disease or abnormal condition

Growth and Development

Process of skeletal and dental maturation

Age Estimation

Determination of probable age at death

Diaphysis

Shaft portion of a long bone

Regression Formula

Statistical equation used to estimate age or stature

Epiphysis

End portion of a long bone

Epiphyseal Union

Fusion of growth centers with the shaft of a bone

Dental Formula

Numerical arrangement of tooth types

Deciduous Dentition

Primary or baby teeth

Permanent Dentition

Adult teeth

Agenesis

Failure of a tooth or structure to develop

Shoveling

Ridge formation on the tongue side of anterior teeth common in some populations

Radiographic Standards

Developmental standards based on X-ray appearance

Macroscopic Examination

Visual examination without magnification

Bone Density

Amount of mineralized tissue present in bone

Bone Densitometry

Standardized measurement of bone density

Trabecular Bone

Internal spongy bone tissue

Cortical Bone

Dense outer layer of bone

Osteons

Microscopic structural units of bone

Osteon Fragments

Remnants of osteons increasing with age

Osteoporosis

Significant loss of bone density

Osteoarthritis

Degenerative joint disease associated with wear and aging

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis affecting younger individuals

Pubic Symphysis

Joint connecting left and right pubic bones, used for age estimation

Symphyseal Face

Surface of the pubic symphysis used in age assessment

Cranium

Skull excluding the mandible

Suture

Joint between cranial bones

Sexual Dimorphism

Physical differences between males and females

Biological Sex

Sex determined by genetic and biological traits

Gender

Psychological and sociocultural identity associated with sex

Sciatic Notch

Pelvic feature used in sex estimation, wider in females

Subpubic Angle

Pelvic angle beneath the pubic symphysis, broader in females

Ventral Arc

Female pelvic trait used in sex determination

Mandible

Lower jaw bone

Postcranial Skeleton

Skeleton below the skull

Population Ancestry

Biological relationship to regional ancestral populations

Race

Socially constructed classification with limited biological basis

Metric Traits

Traits measured numerically

Nonmetric Traits

Traits assessed by presence, absence, or description

Simometer

Instrument used to measure facial flatness

Stature

Living height of an individual

Allometry

Predictable proportional relationship between body parts

Osteometry

Standardized measurement of bones

Positive Identification

Identification beyond reasonable doubt using accepted methods

DNA Analysis

Identification using genetic material

Fingerprint Identification

Identification through unique friction ridge patterns

Dental Record Comparison

Identification using dental characteristics

Facial Reconstruction

Creation of facial appearance from skeletal remains

Congenital Anomaly

Condition present at birth

Individuation

Identification through unique personal characteristics

Markers of Occupational Stress

Skeletal changes associated with repetitive activities

Handedness

Preference for right or left hand use reflected in skeletal features

Possible Identification

Lowest level of identification certainty

Probable Identification

More likely than not identification

Scientific Probability

Greater than 50% likelihood, often 67–90%

Scientific Certainty

Generally 90% or greater confidence