General Question

whitetigress's avatar

What body parts are examined in order to determine age at time of death?

Asked by whitetigress (3129points) December 13th, 2011

Yeah, I’m learning some anthropology forensic stuff.

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

8 Answers

JilltheTooth's avatar

Teeth, to determine wear, the ends of the longbones for the same reason, and in children the bones of the skull. That’s the total extent of my knowledge in that area.

Neizvestnaya's avatar

If the clavicle is fused or not, any wear to pelvic canal.

Sunny2's avatar

If the skin is still intact, the elasticity of the skin would tell you something, too. Or are you thinking of skeletal remains only?

ANef_is_Enuf's avatar

Everything I know about forensic anthropology I learned from Temperence Brennan.

Ribs.

JilltheTooth's avatar

@ANef_is_Enuf : My source also, along with Gideon Oliver.

whitetigress's avatar

@Sunny2 Well mainly parts of the body that would suffice in evidence for longevity type of evidences. So probably skeletal, then organs next? before skin? I’m just a student… so nothing definite.

bkcunningham's avatar

Basically, the answer is bone growth, pubic symphyseal face, rib phases, old age and dental attrition.

http://www.wadsworth.com/anthropology_d/special_features/forensics/forensics_index/index.html#head5

zenvelo's avatar

There would also be an examination of calcium loss, although that is variable by age.

Answer this question

Login

or

Join

to answer.

This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.

Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
or
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther