Written in the Bone

What two main components make up bone, and what does each provide?

Inorganic minerals (like calcium and phosphorus) provide strength and rigidity; organic collagen provides flexibility.

What experiment did the author do in school to demonstrate bone components?

They burned one bone to remove collagen, leaving fragile ash, and soaked another in acid to remove minerals, leaving a bendable, rubbery structure.

What are the two types of bone tissue, and how are they different?

Compact bone is dense and solid; cancellous (or trabecular) bone is spongy, with a honeycomb-like structure.

What important function does bone marrow serve?

It produces red and white blood cells and platelets, and also stores fat.

How often does the human skeleton replace itself, and which bone type remodels faster?

Roughly every 15 years; cancellous bone remodels faster than compact bone.

Why is it important to build strong bones during childhood and early adulthood?

Because bone mineral density peaks in our 30s, and stronger bones reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life.

How does estrogen affect bone health, particularly in postmenopausal women?

Estrogen protects bones, and its loss during menopause causes bone mineral loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.

What two nutrients are essential for strong bones, and what are their main sources?

Calcium (found in milk and dairy) and Vitamin D (from sun exposure, eggs, dairy, and oily fish).

What bone disorder can occur in children due to Vitamin D deficiency, and what are its signs?

Rickets, which causes soft or brittle bones and bowing of the legs.

What is the role of a forensic anthropologist in this context?

To examine skeletal remains and interpret signs of life experiences, injuries, or identity using their specialized knowledge—like reading a song from fragments of sound.

What is the first question a forensic anthropologist must answer when presented with bones?

Whether the remains are human.

What kinds of non-human remains might be mistaken for human bones in the UK?

Remains of marine animals (like seals, dolphins, whales) and land animals (such as horses, pigs, dogs, rabbits, etc.) that may wash ashore or be found on land.

How can forensic anthropologists estimate the time since death (TDI)?

By observing the condition of the remains (e.g., presence of flesh or odor), burial conditions, and environmental factors. However, it's not an exact science.

What environmental factors affect the rate of decomposition?

Temperature, insect activity, and burial depth. Warm climates speed up decomposition; cold or dry climates can slow or even prevent full skeletonization.

What is radiocarbon dating, and when is it useful?

Radiocarbon dating measures the decay of C14 in organic material. It is useful for dating remains over 500 years old, but not helpful for modern cases.

How has nuclear testing helped forensic scientists date more recent remains?

It introduced manmade isotopes like strontium-90, which only appear in bones from individuals alive during or after nuclear testing, narrowing the time of death to within the last 60 years.

What is the third key question a forensic anthropologist must answer?

Who was the person when they were alive? This involves creating a biological profile and comparing it to missing persons or medical records.

What four characteristics make up a biological profile?

Sex, age, ethnicity, and height.

What substance holds the mineral parts of bone together, and what is its origin?

Collagen holds the mineral parts of bone together. The word “collagen” comes from the Greek word “kólla,” meaning glue, because it acts as a binding substance in the body.

What is the difference between the manner and the cause of death?

The manner of death refers to how the death occurred (e.g., blunt force trauma), while the cause of death is the specific medical reason the person died (e.g., blood loss).

Are forensic anthropologists usually medically qualified in the UK?

No, forensic anthropologists in the UK are scientists, not generally medically qualified.

How is forensic anthropology different from osteoarchaeology or biological anthropology?

Forensic anthropology focuses on recent deaths with potential legal relevance, while osteoarchaeology and biological anthropology study ancient or historical remains.

What legal responsibilities must forensic anthropologists in the UK be aware of?

They must follow Part 19 of the Criminal Procedure Rules and the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) guidelines on evidence disclosure and case management.