Forensic Anthropology/Odontology Flashcards
the study of humans, past or present drawing and building knowledge from social and biological sciences as well as the humanities and physical sciences
Anthropology
The central concern of anthropologists is the application of knowledge to the solution of human problems.
Anthropology
applies the science of physical or biological anthropology to the legal process
Forensic Anthropology
Represents the application of knowledge and techniques of physical anthropology to problems of medicolegal significance (Ubelaker)
Forensic Anthropology
That branch of physical anthropology, which, for forensic purposes, deals with the identification of more or less skeletonized remains known to be, or suspected of being human. (T.D. Stewart, 1976)
Forensic Anthropology
the study of human bones
Human Osteology
General Roles of Forensic Anthropologist
- Identify unidentified skeletal remains thru a biological profile
- Identify presence of trauma sustained by the skeletal remains
- Recover human remains
- Determine approximate time of death
- Determine cause of death (if COD can be deduced from bone trauma)
refers to the estimated age, ancestry, stature and sex of an unknown skeletal remains
Biological Profile
Goal of a Biological Profile
To describe the individual in such a way that law enforcement or acquaintances can narrow the range of possible identities
refers to the observable differences of male and female skeletal remains
SEXUAL DIMORPHISMS
For infants (0-3 y/o) and children (3-12 y/o)
- Dentition (stage of teeth eruption)
- Long Bone Shafts (as to length and development)
For Adolescents (12-20 y/o) and Young Adults (20-35)
- Epiphyseal Union / Fusion of the heads of long bones to the shafts
- Eruption of Third Molars (for adolescents)
- Cranial Sutures Fusion / Closure
For Middle Adult (35-50 y/o) and Old Adult (50+ y/o)
- Closure / Fusion of Cranial Sutures
- Bone Density Changes
- Presence of Osteoarthritis
- Changes of the Pubic Symphysis Surface
- Presence of Dental Attrition
The primary bones used in sexing of unknown skeletal remains are the following
*Pelvic Bone / Hip Bone / Os Coxae
*Skull
Pelvic Bone / Hip Bone / Os Coxae
- Subpubic angle
- Pelvic Inlet
Skull
- Orbit
- Occipital Protuberance
- Mastoid Process
- Zygomatic Bone
- Superiolateral Margin
FACTORS THAT WILL AFFECT BIOLOGICAL PROFILE
- Metabolic disorders (Nutritional Deficiencies)
- Antemortem Trauma (fractures, dislocations)
- Hormonal Imbalance (dwarfism/gigantism)
- Tumors
- Dental Pathology
- Occupation / Lifestyle
Other Information that Bones can Give
- Perimortem Injuries
- Blunt and Sharp Force Trauma
- Gunshot Wounds
the application of the arts and sciences of dentistry to the legal system
Forensic Odontology
“that branch of forensic medicine which in the interest of justice deals with the proper handling and examination of dental evidence and with the proper evaluation and presentation of the dental findings.” (Keiser-Neilson,19701)
Forensic Odontology
Concerns of Forensic Odontology
- Identification of individuals by comparing the unique aspects of the victim’s teeth with antemortem dental records, and the use of teeth as an excellent source of DNA for identification purposes.
- Bite mark comparison
- Analysis of negligence, standard of care issues and injury in dental malpractice cases.
-Identification of victims of mass disasters
Refers to the teeth that erupt first
A) Primary Dentition / Deciduous Teeth
Develops around 4 months in utero (14-16 weeks upon conception)
A) Primary Dentition / Deciduous Teeth
Tooth eruption usually starts at about 6 months of age.
A) Primary Dentition / Deciduous Teeth
20 Primary Teeth
A) Primary Dentition / Deciduous Teeth
Dental Formula : I2 C1 M2 (2 Incisors, 1 Canine, 2 Molars)
A) Primary Dentition / Deciduous Teeth
The teeth that replace deciduous teeth that eventually sheds off.
B) Permanent Dentition
First Permanent teeth to erupt is the first molar during 6-7 years after birth.
B) Permanent Dentition
32 permanent teeth in humans
B) Permanent Dentition
Dental Formula: I2 C1 P2 M3 ( 2 Incisors, 1 Canine, 2 Premolars, 3 Molars)
B) Permanent Dentition
