bones of the appendicular skeleton forensic anthropology

Bones of the Appendicular Skeleton

Forensic Anthropology

Parts of the Skeletal System

• Axial skeleton– Skull, vertebral column, ribs

• Appendicular skeleton– Upper & lower limb bones,

pectoral & pelvic girdles

Clavicle

Scapula

Costals (Ribs)

Sternum

Thoracic Cage True ribs (pairs 1 – 7)False ribs (pairs 8 – 12)Floating ribs (pairs 11 – 12)

Parts of Sternum:•Manubrium•Body•Xiphoid Process

Vertebra

Humerus

Ulna

Radius

Sternum

ClavicleScapula

Costals (Ribs)Humerus

VertebraUlna

Radius

Sacrum

Sacrum & Coccyx

Ilium

Ischium

Pubis

1. Sacrum

8. Coccyx

2. Ilium

3. Ischiuim

4. Pubis6. Acetabulum

7. Obturator Foramen

Femur

Patella

Tibia

Fibula

Ilium

Ischium

Femur

Fibula

SacrumPubis

Patella

Tibia

Bones of the Hand

Carpels

Bones of the Hand

Metacarpels

Carpels

Bones of the Hand

Phalanges

Metacarpels

Carpels

Bones of the Hand

Bones of the Foot

Bones of the Foot

Tarsals

Bones of the Foot

Metatarsals

Tarsals

Bones of the Foot

Phalanges

Metatarsals

Tarsals

FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY

The Tales that Bones Tell

Forensic Anthropology

= Analysis of skeletal remains within a legal investigation

• Physical anthropologist = osteologist

• Training = BS physical anthropology

MS osteology

Biological Identity (who was it?)

• Age

• Sex

• Previous injuries

• Cause of death

• Race

• Stature/weight

Approximate Age?

IN CHILDREN:• The cranium is much

larger in relation to the face and mandible

• The mandible and maxilla become larger as permanent molars begin to erupt

Child 4 years old

Fusing of Skull

• Appearance of sutures can give approximate age

• In infants there are large gaps which close slowly over time

• Head of Femur: 19 – 20 years

• Part of hip: 24 years

• Female bones stop growing in length usually 1-2 years before male bones

Epiphyseal Fusion

Other factors telling about age

• Bone density - drops after 40

• Pelvic joint morphology- ridge detail wears out over time

• Dental changes

Skull & pelvis are the two most sexually dimorphic areas

Appendicular Skeleton Activity

• Excellent site to study:

http://www.getbodysmart.com/ap/skeletalsystem/skeleton/menu/menu.html