Chapter 8: Anthropology and Odontology Flashcards
What is forensic anthropology?
Anthropology is the study of humans, their cultures, and their biology. Can be divided into the study of human biology and human culture, and these can further be divided into the study of the past and the present.
How is forensic anthropology different from archaeology?
Archaeology is the study of past human cultures. Anthropology is the study of either the present or past human populations.
What is a datum and how is it used?
A datum is a fixed reference point for all 3-D measurements. It should be something permanent (e.g. a lightswitch, tree or post) , but if there is not one, an artificial one can be made (i.e. post, nail, mark).
How can you tell if something is bone?
If it is not immediately obvious, you can take a thin section of the material and examine it microscopically for cell morphology. Also, elemental analysis is very useful for small fragments because few materials have the same elemental ratios as bone.
What is a biological profile?
The biological profile is an assessment of the sex, age at death, racial affinity, height, and any other aspects that would describe the individual-class-level information. The biological profile is the first step toward identifying whom the remains represent.
Name the two areas of the body that are the most accurate for estimating sex.
The pelvis and the skull are the most accurate for determining the sex of an individual. The pelvis of a male is larger and more robust, and has a narrow sciatic notch. In females, the pelvis is broader and can exhibit pregnancy-specific traits. The sciatic notch is wide in females.
The cranium of a male is larger with more muscle attachments than females.
What is an epiphysis?
The epiphysis is the ends of the bone. It develops until it eventually fuses with the shaft of the bone, the diaphysis.
What is the last epiphysis to fuse?
The last epiphysis to fuse is the medial clavicular epiphysis.
Where is the pubic symphysis located?
The pubic symphysis is the false joint that is the junction of the two pubic bones lying about 4-5 inches below the navel. The morphological changes of the pubic symphysis is considered the most reliable estimator of age at death.
What is the fourth left rib used for in forensic anthropology?
The fourth left rib on the sternal end is an area that changes with advancing adulthood. As the cartilage between the sternum and ribs ages, it begins to ossify at a known and predictable rate.
What needs to be known about a person before you can calculate his or her stature?
To calculate a person’s stature, you must know their sex and ancestry. These values are put into a formula.
What’s another term for bicuspid?
Premolar.
What is forensic odontology?
Forensic odontologists are dental health professionals who apply their skills to legal investigations.
How many teeth do humans typically have?
Humans typically have 32 teeth.
When does the first adult molar erupt?
The first adult molar erupts around 6 years of age.
