Forensic Anthropology

Forensic Anthropology

Analysis of human skeletal remains from unexplained deaths

Thomas Dwight

Referred to as the father of forensic anthropology

Wrote The Human Skeleton in Forensic Medicine in 1962

Formed the first body farm

At Birth

We have 275 bones

As Adults

We have 206 bones

Axial Skeleton

80 bones

Appendicular Skeleton

126 bones

Recovery of Skeletal Remains

1. Location

2. Collection

3. Excavation

4. Collection

Below Ground Searching

• Magnetometer

• Ground Penetrating Radar

• Electrical Resistivity Kit

Mapping

Sketching of where everything is in relation to the body

Relation of the body to a fixed landmark

Coordinates of the remains

Excavation

The uncovering of remains

Uses archeological techniques, generally done in 1-2 inch layers

Stratigraphic Excavation

Exposes a variety of trace and other evidence on the walls and floor of the grave

Collection

Collection of the skeleton

Collection of any associated physical evidence

Post Mortem Interval

Based on body presentation

Clothing

Other evidence or money

Cortical Bone

An outer layer of hard, smooth compact bone

Trabecular Bone

Infrastructure of sponge-like bone

Osteoblasts

Specialized growth cells

Produce bone and deposit it in layers

Osteoclasts

Actively breaks down and remodels bone as required for growth

General ID

• Age

• Sex

• Race

• Health Issues

• Surgeries

Biological Profile

Assesses the:

• Sex

• Age at death

• Racial affinity

• Height

• Any other individual class-level info

Ancestry

Assess skeletal remains for clues as to that person’s ancestral affiliation to help lead police toward identification

Facial Reconstruction 

Does not account for:

• Aging

• Weight loss/gain

• Skin slippage due to medical issues

A lot can play into it

Questionably accurate