Forensic Anthropology – Lecture 2 Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the forensic anthropology lecture, including biological profiling, sex and age estimation methods, skeletal indicators, and identification techniques.

Forensic Anthropology

The study of human skeletal remains to establish biological identity and assist in investigations.

Biological Profile

A summary of an individual’s sex, age-at-death, stature, ancestry, and postmortem interval derived from skeletal analysis.

Postmortem Interval

The estimated time that has elapsed since a person’s death.

Forensic Pathologist

A medical examiner who analyzes soft tissues and organs; has limited expertise with bone.

Hard Tissue Morphology

The form, structure, and variability of bones examined by forensic anthropologists.

Sex Determination

Assessment of skeletal features—primarily pelvis, skull, and femur—to establish biological sex.

Pelvis (Sex Indicator)

Best skeletal element for sex estimation; male pelvis is narrow and deep, female pelvis wider and shallower.

Skull (Sex Indicator)

Second-best element for sex estimation; male skulls are generally more robust and muscle-marked.

Head of the Femur

Femoral feature where a larger diameter typically indicates a male skeleton.

Supraorbital (Brow) Ridges

Bony ridges above the eye sockets; more prominent in males.

Superior Orbital Margin

Upper border of the eye socket; sharper in females.

Mastoid Process

Bony projection behind the ear; larger and more rugged in males.

Dentition Analysis

Examination of teeth for wear, health, and dental work to infer age, diet, and socioeconomic status.

Age Estimation (Sub-Adults)

Uses bone formation, growth patterns, and dental eruption to estimate age under 18.

Age Estimation (Adults)

Relies on cranial suture closure, pelvic changes, and tooth wear to estimate adult age.

Stature Estimation

Calculation of height from the maximum length of long bones using population-specific formulas.

Population Affiliation (Ancestry)

Assessment of cranial features to suggest ancestral background of skeletal remains.

Tool Mark Analysis

Examination of bone trauma patterns to identify weapons or implements involved.

Cause of Death

The medical reason for an individual’s death (e.g., trauma, disease).

Manner of Death

The legal classification of death circumstances (e.g., homicide, suicide, accidental).

Positive Identification

Confirmation of an individual’s identity through dental records, medical records, DNA, or other unique features.

Frontal Sinus Pattern

Unique configuration of the frontal sinus visible on radiographs, useful for identification.

Photographic Superimposition

Overlaying a skull image onto antemortem photographs to assist identification.

Facial Reconstruction

Artistic/forensic technique to approximate facial appearance from a skull; provides investigative leads but not confirmation.

Sub-Adult

A person under 18 years of age whose skeletal growth is still occurring.

Cranial Suture Closure

Progressive fusion of skull sutures used to estimate adult age.

Handedness Indicators

Asymmetrical bone developments suggesting dominant hand use.

Soft Tissue

Organs, muscles, and other non-bony tissues primarily examined by forensic pathologists.

Bone Remodeling

Natural process of bone renewal that can show age-related surface changes.