Bone Histology for age at death estimation ANA 328 2006/09/04
Introduction Bone: Specialized connective tissue Osteoclasts & osteoblasts Change throughout life Continuous modelling & remodelling Structures Age-dependent/correlation
Factors: Influence bone remodelling and techniques Disease Nutritional or hormonal Socio-economic status Sampling location Mechanical stress
Histological techniques Based on: Bone: living & dynamic Remodelling - continuous Kerley (1965), Ahlqvist & Damsten (1969), Singh and Gunberg (1970), Ericksen (1991), Maat et al (2006)
Variables used: Osteons
Average number of lamellae per osteon
Average Haversian canal diameter per osteon
Number of Non-haversian canals
Number of Osteon fragments
Number of Resorption spaces
Percentage: osteonal, unremodelled & fragmental
Advantages Small piece of bone required Used: Burnt remains Fragmented remains Archaeological remains Forensic remains Accurate method of age estimation
Disadvantages Experience required/specialized equipment Easily affected: Nutrition Fungus Pathology Sample location Population specific Make bone slide