Forensic Science Terms

Question 0

An examination of the internal organs of a corpse to determine cause and manner of death.

Answer 0

Autopsy

Question 1

High speed computer system that stores fingerprint images and can compare those found at a crime scene wit the millions it has on file.

Answer 1

AFIS Automated Fingerprint Identification System

Question 2

Forensic scientist who analyzes, compares, and interprets physical evidence that may link a suspect and victim to crime

Answer 2

Criminologist

Question 3

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

Answer 3

Facial reconstruction

Question 4

Criminalist who analyzes blood or body fluids

Answer 4

forensic serologist

Question 5

Tool for measuring long bones such as those of the thigh and upper arms. These bones are used to estimate a person’s height

Answer 5

osteometric / bone board

Question 6

Scallop like patterns on upper edges of sinuses, which can be seen in x rays of the forehead

Answer 6

sinus prints

Question 7

Bony fragment of the body, which gives people shape and protects vital organs, including heart and lungs

Answer 7

skeleton

Question 8

Bony frame of head, which protects the brain and consists of 29 different bones

Answer 8

skull

Question 9

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

Answer 9

superimposition

Question 10

Ridges that run from one side of finger to the other

Answer 10

arch

Question 11

Ridges that make a circle

Answer 11

whorl

Question 12

artist who aids in identifying skeletal remains by reconstructing face of an unidentified person using his or her skull as guide

Answer 12

forensic sculptor

Question 13

Medical scientist who studies diseases and injuries and uses this info to determine cause and matter of death

Answer 13

pathologist

Question 14

Person who identifies dead by examining teeth and comparing information to charts and bite mark analysis

Answer 14

forensic dentist

Question 15

impression left by tiny ridges on tips of a person’s fingers

Answer 15

finger print

Question 16

professional who studies origins and development of human beings and their cultures

Answer 16

anthropologist

Question 17

rubbery substance that cushions bones between joints and maes up soft portion of nose and outer ear

Answer 17

cartilage

Question 18

chemical blueprint that makes us who we are and provides police with genetic clue to criminal’s identity

Answer 18

DNA deoxyribonucleic acid

Question 19

Person who applies his or her knowledge of human skeleton to help solve crimes and settle legal matters

Answer 19

anthropologist

Question 20

scientist who studies insects and uses predictable patterns of bug behavior and development to help police solve crimes

Answer 20

entomologist

Question 21

study and practice of applying science to solve crimes and settle legal matters

Answer 21

forensic science

Question 22

ridges that make backward turn

Answer 22

loop

Question 23

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.

Answer 23

Forensics

Question 24

Scientist who specializes in finding and examining drugs and poisonous substances in body fluid and tissue is called a ______.

Answer 24

Toxicologit

Question 25

_____ are scientists who study body fluids in humans and animals.

Answer 25

Serologist

Question 26

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.

Answer 26

forensic

Question 27

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.

Answer 27

pharmacologist

Question 28

_______ 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)

Answer 28

evidence

Question 29

______ 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.

Answer 29

Anthropology

Question 30

______ gathers and analyzes crime scene evidence with computers to print out digital photographs.

Answer 30

Technologist

Question 31

A lie detector test is called a _____ test.

Answer 31

polygraph