Osteologists study the skeletal system.
Osteology is the study of bone structure and function, whether human or animal. Osteology is used throughout the medical profession and also in other fields, including archaeology, paleontology and criminology.
Identification
Osteologists divide the skeleton into two parts: the axial or trunk, and the appendicular or limbs. Bones are divided into four categories: long, short, flat and irregular.
Features
Bones are considered either metric or non-metric. Metric bones can be measured and compared against similar bones, while non-metric bones often fuse with other bones and cannot be measured.
Significance
Bones can determine age, sex, likely race, general health and overall stature, plus the amount of time lapsed since death.
Considerations
Skulls allow osteologists to quickly determine animal type.
The skull is best for determining species, but the density, shape and size of other bones also indicate origin. Fragmented bones are the most difficult from which to extrapolate information.
Disciplines
Osteology contains several academic disciplines, including molecular, which studies DNA extracted from bones, and dental, which examines dental records. Forensic osteology is used in archaeology, paleontology and criminal investigations.
Issues
Some organizations and families cite moral objections to using bones for medical research. Others believe handling the deceased disturbs their eternal rest. Ethicists warn against using bones to draw broad conclusions about ethnicity or gender.
Tags: archaeology paleontology, other bones, using bones