Skeletal Pathology and Palaeopathology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to skeletal pathology and palaeopathology, crucial for understanding forensic anthropology.

Forensic Anthropology

The application of the science of physical anthropology and human osteology in a legal context.

Palaeopathology

A branch of science that studies diseases in archaeological human and animal remains.

Aetiology

The cause or origin of a disease.

Pathogen

A foreign invader causing disease.

Lesion

An abnormal tissue change found on the skeleton or tooth.

Epidemiology

The study of how often diseases occur in different groups of people and why.

Morbidity

The condition of suffering from a disease or medical condition; the rate of disease in a population.

Mortality

The causes of death or rate of death in a population.

Pathological alteration

A deviation in the shape or composition of bone, indicating disease or injury.

Degenerative joint disease

A condition associated with the deterioration of joints, often related to aging or overuse.