Unit 3: Serology- Bodily Fluids

Forensic Odontology

The study of teeth and bite patterns in relation to criminal and civil law.

Buccal Sample

A sample taken from the inside of the cheek, advantageous because saliva lasts longer than blood and is less invasive to collect.

Primary Teeth

Also known as baby teeth, these fully emerge by age 2½.

Dentition

The arrangement or type of teeth in the mouth.

Bruxing

The tendency to gnash or grind teeth, especially during sleep.

Bite Marks

Patterned injuries in skin produced by human teeth, used for identification in criminal cases.

Exemplars

Dental impressions taken from a suspect for comparison.

Lead Poisoning (Plumbism)

Accumulation of lead in the body, especially harmful to children under 7.

Seminal Fluid

Organic fluid containing spermatozoa, which may yield clues about blood type in forensic investigations.

Sexual Assault

Any type of sexual activity to which a person does not agree, including unwanted contact and exposure.

Acid Phosphatase

An enzyme tested in presumptive tests for the presence of seminal fluid.

False Positives

Results from tests that indicate the presence of a substance when it is not actually there.

Seminal Acid Phosphatase (SAP)

An enzyme secreted by the seminal vesicles, present only in males.

Presumptive Test

A preliminary test to indicate the possible presence of a substance.

Confirmatory Test

A test that specifically proves the presence of a substance with absolute certainty.

ABO Secretor Status

The ability of an individual to secrete their blood-type antigens into body fluids; important in forensic identification.

Vaginal Fluid Detection

A process to assess the presence of vaginal fluids, often relevant in sexual assault cases.

Clinical Indicators in Children

Signs of potential sexual abuse, including pain or itching around the genitalia, and chronic infections.

Psychopathy

A personality disorder often found in individuals with violent behaviors, including substance addiction.

SAP

seminal acid phosphate

PSA

Prostate-specific antigen

PAS

Periodic acid schiff