Forensic Anthropology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for establishing a grid system at a clandestine grave site?

  • To allow for a precise documentation of spatial distribution of evidence (correct)
  • To expedite the removal of remains from the site
  • To facilitate the use of ground-penetrating radar
  • To demarcate the boundary of the excavation area

Which aspect of skeletal development is most useful in differentiating between the remains of a child and an adult?

  • The density of the cortical bone
  • The presence of a deciduous dentition
  • The remodeling of the trabecular bone
  • The number of ossification centers (correct)

Which of the following features is most indicative of a female pelvis?

  • A narrow sciatic notch and a V-shaped subpubic angle
  • A wide sciatic notch and a V-shaped subpubic angle
  • A deep sciatic notch and a U-shaped subpubic angle
  • A shallow sciatic notch and a U-shaped subpubic angle (correct)

How is the estimation of height typically achieved when a complete body is not available for direct measurement?

<p>By extrapolating from the lengths of long bones (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The stage of what process often provides clues about how long a body has been at a particular location?

<p>Taphonomic context (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of disarticulation in skeletal remains?

<p>Joints are not held together by soft tissue. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In osteometry, how are specialized measurements of bones typically expressed?

<p>As a range of possible values. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the usage of carbon and strontium in forensic anthropology?

<p>For estimating the geographical origin of the individual. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What skeletal feature is LEAST reliable for distinguishing between male and female remains?

<p>The length of the femur. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it typically difficult to determine the sex of a skeleton before adolescence?

<p>Skeletal differences between sexes are not fully developed. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for cartilage softening in the pubic symphysis of women during pregnancy?

<p>To allow for bone separation during childbirth. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the typical subpubic angle in a female pelvis compared to a male pelvis?

<p>Larger and more obtuse. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method used to estimate age from skeletal remains?

<p>Analysis of muscle density. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what age does the fusion of the lambdoidal suture typically complete?

<p>Around 30 years old. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of the pubic bone or sternal rib surface is associated with age-related changes?

<p>A porous and pitted surface. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A forensic anthropologist discovers a skeleton with a fused sagittal suture. Given only this information, the individual most likely:

<p>Is at least 32 years old. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the appearance of broken bones in a relatively fresh, unembalmed skeleton?

<p>Uneven breaks due to bone elasticity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What skeletal changes are most indicative of advanced decomposition?

<p>Bones that are brittle and break evenly. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a skeletal indication of anemia?

<p>Holes in the eye sockets and skull. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is most likely indicated by the presence of bowed legs, a thinned skull, and a deformed spine?

<p>Rickets (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Osteology

The study of bones, often used in forensic anthropology to determine age, sex, and ancestry of skeletal remains.

Odontology

The study of teeth. It's a key tool in forensic anthropology for estimating age and identifying individuals.

Taphonomy

The study of the processes that affect the decomposition of remains after death. It's vital for understanding how and why bones are found in a specific state.

Age Related Changes

The changes that happen to the skeleton throughout a person's lifetime. This includes growth, development, and signs of aging like osteoporosis.

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Pubic Symphysis

The point where the left and right halves of the pelvis connect in the front. It is a key area for determining the sex of a skeleton.

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Osteoporosis

A condition where bones have lost too much calcium, making them weak due to loss of bone density.

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Osteometry

A specialized measurement technique used to analyze bones and report findings as a range.

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Forensic Identification

The process of positively identifying remains using methods like DNA analysis, fingerprints, dental records, X-rays, and unique medical implants.

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Forensic Anthropology

The analysis of skeletal remains to provide information about the victim's biological profile, which includes estimated age, sex, stature, ethnicity, and evidence of trauma or disease.

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Sex Determination from Bones

The determination of sex based on skeletal remains can only be done if the body is past puberty.

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Subpubic Angle

The angle formed by the lower edges of the pubic bones. It's typically wider in females, aiding in childbirth.

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Ossification

The process of bone formation, which is used to estimate age by observing the degree of bone fusion and growth plate presence.

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Skull Sutures

The lines where the skull bones meet. They fuse with age and can be used to estimate age.

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Pubic Bone Surfaces

The changes on the pubic bone surface, progressing from rough and grooved (younger) to porous and pitted (older).

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Sternal Rib Surfaces

The changes on the fourth rib surface attached to the sternum, similar to the pubic bone changes with age.

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Ancestry Determination

The estimation of ancestry based on skeletal features, such as skull shape and bone proportions.

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Rickets

The weakening of bones due to lack of vitamin D, causing deformities like bowed legs, thin skull, and spinal problems.

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Study Notes

Forensic Anthropology

  • Forensic anthropology applies anthropological theory and methods to forensic problems.
  • Crucial for skeletal remains, determining if they are human and if they contain forensic importance.
  • Osteology (study of bones) and odontology (study of teeth) knowledge is essential.
  • Adult skeletons have 205 bones; children/infants can have up to 405 due to ossification.
  • Post-mortem alterations need to be differentiated from pre-mortem changes.
  • Forensic anthropologists are often called to assist in body recovery and taphonomic contexts to help interpret post-mortem processes.

Biological Profile

  • Assessing remains to estimate characteristics like sex, age, and ancestry.
  • Height estimation uses total body length, long bone lengths, or extrapolation.
  • Skeletal development helps narrow age ranges.
  • Females generally develop slightly earlier than males.

Teeth

  • Humans have deciduous and permanent dentitions.
  • Deciduous = two incisors, two premolars, one canine, and three molars per side
  • Permanent dentitions = varies in number per side.

Determining Sex

  • Female skulls feature a shallower sciatic notch and a U-shaped subpubic angle.
  • Specialized measurements are vital for detailed analysis.

Determining Age

  • Suture marks (ossification) allow age estimations.
  • In adults, bones fuse as age progresses; in children, dental development is crucial for age estimations.

Taphonomic Context

  • Understanding the environment where the remains are found, including factors like the surrounding soil and vegetation; crucial in obtaining accurate information on post-morten processes.

Determining Ancestry

  • Skull formations, nasal openings, and jawline features help determine ancestry.

Skeletal Trauma Analysis

  • Analyzing skeletal remains to determine signs of trauma, whether the trauma occurred before, during, or after death.
  • Types of trauma include broken bones, fractures, defensive wounds, etc
  • Environmental, blunt, or gunshot wound patterns can help in providing more accurate information.

Importance of Forensic Anthropologoy

  • Used for identifying human or non-human remains and providing information about the victim.
  • Analyzing bones can determine age, sex, ancestry, and cause of injuries helping to identify and understand the victim's life.

Bone Analysis

  • Osteoporosis, loss of bone density, can be seen in examined remains
  • Presence of carbon and strontium can determine location and residence from the bones used in analysis
  • Different areas have different levels of strontium content

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