Forensic Science Terms Flashcards
An examination of the internal organs of a corpse to determine cause and manner of death.
Autopsy
High speed computer system that stores fingerprint images and can compare those found at a crime scene wit the millions it has on file.
AFIS Automated Fingerprint Identification System
Forensic scientist who analyzes, compares, and interprets physical evidence that may link a suspect and victim to crime
Criminologist
Rebuilding of a person’s face by layering clay in various thicknesses over a skull. This technique is used by forensic sculptors to hep police identify missing persons
Facial reconstruction
Criminalist who analyzes blood or body fluids
forensic serologist
Tool for measuring long bones such as those of the thigh and upper arms. These bones are used to estimate a person’s height
osteometric / bone board
Scallop like patterns on upper edges of sinuses, which can be seen in x rays of the forehead
sinus prints
Bony fragment of the body, which gives people shape and protects vital organs, including heart and lungs
skeleton
Bony frame of head, which protects the brain and consists of 29 different bones
skull
Used by forensic anthropologists to refer to the overlaying of a skull image with that of a photograph to help verify a person’s identity
superimposition
Ridges that run from one side of finger to the other
arch
Ridges that make a circle
whorl
artist who aids in identifying skeletal remains by reconstructing face of an unidentified person using his or her skull as guide
forensic sculptor
Medical scientist who studies diseases and injuries and uses this info to determine cause and matter of death
pathologist
Person who identifies dead by examining teeth and comparing information to charts and bite mark analysis
forensic dentist
impression left by tiny ridges on tips of a person’s fingers
finger print
professional who studies origins and development of human beings and their cultures
anthropologist
rubbery substance that cushions bones between joints and maes up soft portion of nose and outer ear
cartilage
chemical blueprint that makes us who we are and provides police with genetic clue to criminal’s identity
DNA deoxyribonucleic acid
Person who applies his or her knowledge of human skeleton to help solve crimes and settle legal matters
anthropologist
scientist who studies insects and uses predictable patterns of bug behavior and development to help police solve crimes
entomologist
study and practice of applying science to solve crimes and settle legal matters
forensic science
ridges that make backward turn
loop
The word ______ mean suitable for presentation in a court of law. Thus the goal of this investigation is to uncover enough accurate, convincing evidence from the crime scene to present to a court during a trial. Without sufficient evidence the district attorney has no case to prosecute suspect. Use of science to examine evidence and solve crimes.
Forensics
Scientist who specializes in finding and examining drugs and poisonous substances in body fluid and tissue is called a ______.
Toxicologit
_____ are scientists who study body fluids in humans and animals.
Serologist
Determining the perpetrator of a crime is a team effort between criminal investigators and the ______ team. They find out who, how, when, where and why the crime was committed.
forensic
A partner of the toxicologist is the _______, who studies the effects of drugs or chemicals in the body. They study how chemicals are absorbed by the body, where they act in the body, how they affect the body, and how chemicals are metabolized and excreted.
pharmacologist
_______ of a crime may be found anywhere, from the actual crime scene to a remote location miles away. This may be biological (Ex. fingerprints, blood, corpse) or nonbiological (ex. bullet cartridge casings, fibers or pieces of bombs)
evidence
______ is the study of the biological and social characteristics of human beings. They examine bodies that were buried a long time ago to see how they died.
Anthropology
______ gathers and analyzes crime scene evidence with computers to print out digital photographs.
Technologist
A lie detector test is called a _____ test.
polygraph
