forensic anthropology

Mandible

lower jaw bone

Maxilla

upper jaw bone

Cheek Bone

zygomatic bone

Eye Orbitals

space where the eyes rest, used to determinr race along w/ other features

Coronal Suture

the suture between the parietal and frontal bones of the skull

Squamous Suture

Between parietal and temporal bones

Frontal Bone

bone that forms the forehead

Parietal Bone

either of two skull bones between the frontal and occipital bones and forming the top and sides of the cranium

Temporal Bone

bone that forms parts of the side of the skull and floor of the cranial activity. There is a right and left temporal bone.

Occipital Protuberance

the prominence at the center of the external surface of the occipital bone

Nasal Cavity

hollow space behind the nose

Nasal Bone

bridge of nose

What characteristics of the skull indicate the skull is male?

• u-shaped jaw (flattened)

• squared eye orbitals

• flat superior margin

• the zygomatic arch stops at the ear

• vertical (straight drop off) ramus

• rough & bumpy nuchal crest

What characteristics of the skull indicate the skull is female?

• v-shaped jaw (pointed)

• rounded eye orbital

• pointed superior margin

• zygomatic arch extends past the ear

• slanted ramus

• smooth nuchal crest

What makes up a biological profile of skeletal remains?

ancestry, sex, age, height

How many bones are in an adult human?

206

What do forensic anthropologists use to determine age of a skeleton?

teeth

At what age do bones begin to break down?

30

What types of bodies do forensic anthropologists analyze?

skeletonized remains, or remains that are unidentifiable by other means

How do forensic anthropologists find the height of a skeleton?

using the long bones

How do forensic anthropologists perform facial reconstructions?

adding tissue and muscle lengths & markers to add clay and make the "skin", add eyes and other details

What are the functions of bones?

1. provide structure and rigidity

2. shelter tissues and organs

3. make blood in bone marrow

4. store minerals

5. attach ligaments

Eye Orbits -- European (Caucasian)

aviator sunglasses

Nasal Aperture -- European (Caucasian)

narrow and high

Zygomatic Arches -- European (Caucasian)

receded/lower (similar to those of African ancestry)

Mandible -- European (Caucasian)

small teeth set close together

Eye Orbits -- Asian (Mongoloid)

very circular

Nasal Aperture -- Asian (Mongoloid)

upside down heart shaped

Zygomatic Arches -- Asian (Mongoloid)

very high up and pronounced

Mandible -- Asian (Mongoloid)

shovel shaped incisors

Eye Orbits -- African (Negroid)

rectangular

Nasal Aperture -- African (Negroid)

wide & flat

Zygomatic Arches -- African (Negroid)

receding shape (similar to those of European ancestry)

Mandible -- African (Negroid)

jaw protrudes outwards

Ischium

the lower, posterior portions of the pelvis

Pubic Arch

Inverted V-shaped arch inferior to pubic symphysis. Over 90° in females, and about 60° in males.

Pubis

The medial anterior portion of the pelvis

Coccyx

tailbone

Illium

A broad, flared bone that makes up the upper and lateral sections of the pelvis.

What are examples of long bones in the body?

humerus, femur

What is an example of a flat bone in the body?

pelvis

How can you tell, by looking at the pelvis, that a skeleton is female?

• the pubic arch angle is greater than 90 degrees

• wider and relaxed hips (ilium)

• oval shaped, larger pelvic cavity

• shorter and outward curved coccyx

How can you tell, by looking at the pelvis, that a skeleton is male?

• the pubic arch angle is less than 90 degrees

• narrower and upright hips (ilium)

• heart shaped, smaller pelvic cavity

• longer and inward curved coccyx

appendicular skeleton

Bones of the limbs and limb girdles that are attached to the axial skeleton

axial skeleton

Portion of the skeletal system that consists of the skull, rib cage, and vertebral column