Bones of the
Appendicular Skeleton
Forensic Anthropology
Parts of the Skeletal System
• Axial skeleton
– Skull, vertebral column, ribs
• Appendicular skeleton
– Upper & lower limb bones,
pectoral & pelvic girdles
Clavicle
Scapula
Costals (Ribs)
Sternum
Thoracic Cage
True ribs (pairs 1 – 7)
False ribs (pairs 8 – 12)
Floating ribs (pairs 11 – 12)
Parts of Sternum:
•Manubrium
•Body
•Xiphoid Process
Vertebra
Humerus
Ulna
Radius
Clavicle
Sternum
Humerus
Ulna
Scapula
Costals (Ribs)
Vertebra
Radius
Sacrum
Sacrum & Coccyx
Ilium
Ischium
Pubis
2. Ilium
1. Sacrum
6. Acetabulum
4. Pubis
3. Ischiuim
7. Obturator Foramen
8. Coccyx
Femur
Patella
Tibia
Fibula
Ilium
Ischium
Sacrum
Pubis
Femur
Patella
Fibula
Tibia
Bones of the Hand
Carpels
Bones of the Hand
Metacarpels
Carpels
Bones of the Hand
Phalanges
Metacarpels
Carpels
Bones of the Hand
Bones of the Foot
Tarsals
Bones of the Foot
Metatarsals
Tarsals
Bones of the Foot
Phalanges
Metatarsals
Tarsals
Bones of the Foot
FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY
The Tales that Bones Tell
Forensic Anthropology
= Analysis of skeletal remains within a legal
investigation
• Physical anthropologist = osteologist
• Training = BS physical anthropology
MS osteology
Biological Identity (who was it?)
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Age
Sex
Previous injuries
Cause of death
Race
Stature/weight
Approximate Age?
IN CHILDREN:
• The cranium is much
larger in relation to the
face and mandible
• The mandible and
maxilla become larger
as permanent molars
begin to erupt
Child 4 years old
Fusing of Skull
• Appearance of sutures can give approximate
age
• In infants there are large gaps which close
slowly over time
Epiphyseal Fusion
• Head of Femur: 19 – 20 years
• Part of hip: 24 years
• Female bones stop growing in length
usually 1-2 years before male bones
Other factors telling about age
• Bone density - drops after 40
• Pelvic joint morphology- ridge detail wears
out over time
• Dental changes
Skull & pelvis are the two most sexually
dimorphic areas
Appendicular Skeleton Activity
• Excellent site to study:
http://www.getbodysmart.com/ap/skeletalsyst
em/skeleton/menu/menu.html