Information About

Osteology




Osteology is the Scientific Study of Bones . A Subdiscipline of Anthropology (US) Archeology (EU), osteology is a detailed study of the structure of bones, skeletal elements, Teeth , Morphology , function, Disease , Pathology , the process of Ossification (from Cartilaginous molds), the resistance and hardness of bones ( Biophysics ), etc. Often used by scientists with identification of human remains with regard to Age , Death , Gender , Growth , and Development in a biocultural context.


METHODS


A typical analysis will include:

  • an inventory of the skeletal elements present

  • a dental inventory

  • ageing data, based upon Epiphyseal Fusion , dental eruption and tooth wear

  • sexing data, based upon bone morphology

  • stature and other metric data

  • ethnicity

  • non-metric traits

  • pathology and/or cultural modifications

  • taphonomy, including weathering, gnawing, butchery, burning and related processes...



APPLICATIONS


Osteological approaches are frequently applied to investigations in disciplines such as Forensic science, Physical Anthropology and Archaeology , and has a place in research on topics including:



REFERENCES


  • Bass, W M. 2005. ''Human Osteology: A Laboratory and Field Manual''. 5th Edition. Columbia: Missouri Archaeological Society.

  • Buikstra, J. E and Ubelaker, D. H. (eds.) 1994. ''Standards for Data Collection from Human Skeletal Remains''. Arkansas Archeological Survey Research Series No. 44.

  • Cox, M and Mays, S. (eds.) 2000. ''Human Osteology in Archaeology and Forensic Science''. London: Greenwich Medical Media.



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