Abstract: Forensic anthropology is the application of biological anthropology principals and knowledge of the human skeleton to medicolegal casework. The specialized skill set brought by the anthropologist to the crime scene insures a comprehensive recognition of human remains, proper documentation of the scene, and identification and collection of potentially associated evidence. An understanding of decomposition patterns, taphonomic processes, and thermal alteration of the body enables the anthropologist to differentiate between expected and suspicious findings. In the laboratory, forensic anthropologists construct decedent descriptions through recognition of variation in bone shape, size, and condition. The decedent profile includes a demographic description (sex, age, ancestry, and stature), life history reconstruction, and stress marker recognition. Documentation of these skeletal subtleties generates a complete biological profile of the decedent that enables a more discriminatory search of potential matches. Finally, through skeletal trauma analysis and the recognition and description of perimortem trauma, forensic anthropologists contribute to the establishment of cause or manner of death.
Publication Year: 2010
Publication Date: 2010-10-22
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 105
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