Forensic Anthropology
Definition
The laboratory and scene-side discipline concerned with the analysis of skeletal and decomposed remains to establish biological profile, manner of death, trauma, and identity. Distinct from forensic archaeology, which manages the field phase.
- Core discipline
- Applied branch of physical anthropology focused on medico-legal cases
- Primary evidence
- Skeletal and decomposed human remains
- Key outputs
- Biological profile, identification, trauma documentation, manner of death
Common questions
What does a forensic anthropologist actually do?+
They recover, analyze, and identify skeletal and decomposed human remains in medico-legal cases. This includes determining a biological profile (age, sex, stature), identifying the individual, and documenting trauma or manner of death.
Is forensic anthropology the same as forensic archaeology?+
No. Forensic anthropology focuses on laboratory and detailed analysis of remains. Forensic archaeology handles the field phase: excavation, documentation, and scene recovery. The disciplines are distinct but often work together.
Why is forensic anthropology important in criminal investigations?+
Skeletal remains tell a story. A forensic anthropologist can establish identity, reconstruct what happened, and link physical evidence to the circumstances of death. This evidence is critical for investigators and courts.
Related terms
- AGSA
- The Archaeology and Forensic Science group, a specialist network within the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA), which has developed standards for casework,...
- Biological Profile
- The four-part osteological description of an unidentified individual: sex, age range, population affinity (ancestry), and estimated stature. The profile constrains the pool...
- EAAF
- The Equipo Argentino de Antropologia Forense (Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team), founded in 1984 to investigate disappearances during the military dictatorship. Widely regarded...
- Epiphyseal Fusion
- The obliteration of the cartilaginous growth plate and bony union of the epiphysis with the diaphysis. Fusion sequence and timing form the...
- Forensic Archaeology
- The application of archaeological field methods, including systematic search, controlled excavation, and single-context recording, to scenes that have a legal significance, whether...
- Glabella
- The midline prominence on the frontal bone between the superciliary arches. Scored 1 (flat, female) to 5 (highly prominent, male). Correlated with...
- Gustafson Method
- Dental ageing method based on six progressive changes in a single tooth: attrition, periodontosis, secondary dentine, cementum apposition, root resorption and root...
- Haversian System (Osteon)
- Cylindrical structural unit of compact bone with a central Haversian canal, concentric lamellae and osteocytes in lacunae; pattern and canal density differ...
- International Criminal Tribunal
- A judicial body established under international law to prosecute serious violations of international humanitarian law. The ICTY (1993) and the ICC (2002)...
- Mastoid Process
- The conical projection inferior to the external auditory meatus on the temporal bone. Attachment for sternocleidomastoid and splenius capitis muscles. Scored 1...
- Regression Formula
- Linear equation of the form Stature = a + b × bone length (in cm), used to estimate living stature from a...
- Scene Manager
- The role a forensic archaeologist often takes in the field: responsible for the physical recovery strategy, the recording system, and the integrity...
Explained in these topics
- History and Scope of Forensic ArchaeologyThe laboratory and scene-side discipline concerned with the analysis of skeletal and decomposed remains to establish biological profile, manner of death, traum...
- Skeletal Remains: Species, Sex, Age, Stature and IdentificationBranch of physical anthropology applied to medico-legal cases, especially the recovery and analysis of skeletal and decomposed human remains for identification.