Dem Bones
Forensic Resurrection of a Skeleton
Author(s)
Department of Clinical Laboratory & Nutritional Sciences
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Alease_Bruce@uml.edu
Abstract
In this case study, a forensic anthropologist must determine the age and sex as well as look for signs of trauma to a skeleton found in a shallow grave in a state park. Students simulate the actual procedures used in a forensics lab and learn to identify bones, landmarks, and anatomical features associated with sex, age, height, and pathology. The case was developed for use in a freshman-level human anatomy and physiology course. It could also be used in biology, anatomy, and anthropology courses.
Objectives
- To analyze the individual bones of the skeleton and their landmarks.
- To determine the sex of a skeleton from pelvic morphological distinctions.
- To determine the sex of a skeleton from skull morphological distinctions.
- To analyze bones to determine height estimations.
- To estimate the age of bones of individuals based on morphological changes.
- To evaluate bones for pathological and physiological changes.
Keywords
Skeleton; skeletal remains; bony landmark analysis; pelvic morphology; skull morphology; sex determination; height determination; age determination; forensic anthropologyEducational Level
High school, Undergraduate lower divisionFormat
PDFType Methods
LaboratoryLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Anatomy | Anthropology | Biology (General) | Forensic Science |
Date Posted
07/09/01Teaching Notes
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