Plexiform Bone
Definition
A microstructural pattern found in the cortical bone of large rapid-growth mammals (bovids, horses, deer) characterised by alternating layers of woven bone and lamellar bone visible in cross-section as alternating pale and dark bands. Its presence excludes human bone and is a reliable macroscopic indicator of non-human large-mammal origin.
- Found in
- Large rapid-growth mammals: cattle, horses, sheep, deer, and other bovids
- Microscopic pattern
- Alternating layers of woven and lamellar bone with vascular spaces, visible as pale and dark bands
- Forensic significance
- Presence is strong evidence for non-human origin; reliable indicator for non-human large-mammal identification
Common questions
What makes plexiform bone useful in forensic bone identification?+
Plexiform bone is found only in large non-human mammals like cattle, horses, and sheep. Its distinctive alternating pattern of woven and lamellar bone visible in cross-section is strong evidence for non-human origin, making it a reliable macroscopic and microscopic indicator in forensic analysis.
How does plexiform bone look under the microscope?+
It appears as alternating pale and dark bands in cross-section, created by layers of woven bone interspersed with lamellar bone and vascular spaces. This brick-like pattern is characteristic of rapid-growth large mammals and does not occur in human bone.
Which animals have plexiform bone?+
Large rapid-growth mammals including bovids (cattle), horses, sheep, and deer show plexiform bone. It is a primary bone type in these animals, distinguishing their bone microstructure from human bone.
Related terms
- Cortical (Compact) Bone
- The dense outer shell of long bones and the tables of flat bones. Approximately 80% of skeletal mass. High mineral density (65-70%...
- Cortical Index
- The ratio of total cortical bone area to total bone cross-sectional area at a defined midshaft location. Used in fragment identification to...
- Epiphyseal Growth Plate (Physis)
- The cartilaginous zone between the epiphysis and metaphysis where endochondral ossification occurs during growth. Closes (fuses) at puberty under the influence of...
- Fragment Identification
- The assignment of a bone fragment to a specific skeletal element (rib, long-bone shaft, vertebral arch, cranial vault, etc.) and anatomical region,...
- Haversian Canal
- The central vascular channel of an osteon, carrying blood vessels and nerves through the cortical bone. Diameter 20-70 µm in human bone....
- Haversian System (Secondary Osteon)
- The basic structural unit of mature cortical bone: a cylinder of 4-20 concentric lamellar rings around a central Haversian canal carrying blood...
- Interstitial Lamellae
- The angular remnants of older osteons left behind after a BMU has partially resorbed them. Their relative area decreases with age as...
- Kerley Method
- A histological age estimation method published by Ellis Kerley in 1965, based on counting secondary osteons, osteon fragments, circumferential lamellar bone, and...
- Lacuna
- A small lens-shaped cavity within bone lamellae that houses an osteocyte cell body. Lacunae are connected by canaliculi radiating toward the Haversian...
- Minimum Number of Individuals (MNI)
- The smallest number of distinct individuals required to account for all skeletal elements present in an assemblage. Determined by identifying the element...
- Neural Arch
- The posterior bony arch of a vertebra, formed by two pedicles and two laminae meeting at the spinous process. In foetal and...
- Osteoclast
- The large, multinucleated bone-resorbing cell responsible for excavating the resorption tunnel in a BMU. Activated by the RANKL/OPG cytokine axis. Creates the...
Explained in these topics
- Bone Biology and the Haversian BaselineA primary bone type in large non-human mammals (cattle, horses, sheep) characterised by alternating zones of woven bone, lamellar bone, and vascular spaces for...
- Side Determination and Fragment IdentificationA microstructural pattern found in the cortical bone of large rapid-growth mammals (bovids, horses, deer) characterised by alternating layers of woven bone and...