Forensic Anthropology Let the bones tell the story!

Bones Main functions Store calcium Muscle attachment Nerve function Muscle contraction Heart function Blood clotting Muscle attachment Marrow makes red blood cells Protect organs, overall structure

How many bones are in the human body? 206

What role do anthropologists play in solving crimes? What does a physical anthropologist investigate? What four things do we want to know about a skeleton? What bones are more useful for developing a profile of a person? Explain how they are used.

What role do anthropologists play in solving crimes? What does a physical anthropologist investigate? Skeleton anatomy to build biological profiles of individuals What four things do we want to know about a skeleton? Sex, age, stature, biological ancestry What bones are more useful for developing a profile of a person? Explain how they are used. Skull Brow ridges for sex Teeth/molars for DNA Occipital for sex Cranial sutures for age

Forensic Anthropologists Analyze remains to determine identity of a victim Also can determine his/her life history, cause of death, or other clues about crime Main characteristics Sex Examining the skull, pelvis, humerus, and femur Age and Stature (height/build) Analyzing development of teeth, bone growth, cranial suture lines, and length of specific bones ex: femur Race Analyzing skull for characteristics that are common among people of different races

Which skull would belong to a female?   Male Female

Which pelvis would belong to a female?

Age Disappearance of suture marks 50 30 Begins at 21 Accelerates at 26 Closes at 30

What else can we learn from bones? mtDNA samples can be collected from bone, teeth, and hair to provide clues to a person’s identity Scientists may also be able to gain clues as to a person’s past, recent injuries, or the cause of death based on bone fractures and other signs of trauma

Reading the Remains Watch the video and answer the questions. What information do they provide for law enforcement agencies? How many skeletons do they have in their collection? What do they learn about a skeleton from each tool? CT scan – X-Ray – Mass spectrometer – Scanning electron microscope – DNA Analysis –

Reading the Remains Watch the video and answer the questions. What information do they provide for law enforcement agencies? How many skeletons do they have in their collection? 30,000 What do they learn about a skeleton from each tool? CT scan – visualize internal bone structure for disease and/or trauma X-Ray – visualize internal bone structure Mass spectrometer – test for chemicals like heavy metals Scanning electron microscope – minute bone details DNA Analysis – samples for positive ID of old remains

Due to the slight prognathism of the maxilla, the smaller more rounded cranial vault. The sharper and less defined lower mandible, and less protruding superorbital ridges, the conclusion can be reached that the individual on the left is a female, and of African American decent. However, the individual on the right shows a larger more oblong cranium, heavier more protruding superorbital ridges, and a flatter maxilla with less prognathism. Also the lower mandible of this individual is heavier, more defined and square. From the presence of these features, the conclusion can be reached that the individual on the right is a male and or Caucasian decent. Also due to the advanced obliteration of the cranial sutures, and the presence of the 3rd molar in both individuals, it can be determined that they are both between the ages of 25 and 40.