Skeletons in dusty boxes: the use of dry skeletal samples in medical and osteoarcheological research and teaching: the use of dry skeletal samples in medical and osteoarcheological research and teaching

Inskip, S., Temple, K., Glasson, M., Gilder, M., Williams, E., Sofaer, Joanna and Border, S. (2012) Skeletons in dusty boxes: the use of dry skeletal samples in medical and osteoarcheological research and teaching: the use of dry skeletal samples in medical and osteoarcheological research and teaching. [in special issue: Abstracts Presented at the Joint Winter Meeting of the Anatomical Society, British Association of Clinical Anatomists, and the Institute of Anatomical Sciences, 19th to 21st December 2011, University of Cardiff, Wales] Clinical Anatomy, 25 (6), 803-804. (doi:10.1002/ca.22099).

Abstract

Skeletal material is commonly used for teaching anatomy. However, these collections are rarely used for primary research, despite their potential for student projects or more detailed anatomical investigations. Although the undocumented nature of the specimens can arguably limit study, archeologists characteristically deal with unknown skeletal material. Many methods exist to estimate age, sex, and ethnicity that could enable research. Accordingly, 94 skeletal individuals from Southampton University’s Anatomy department were assessed to determine the usability of methods routinely used in archeology. Age was estimated from degenerative joint changes and dental wear. Sexually dimorphic regions of the skull and pelvis were examined. Ethnicity was identified through craniometrics and CRANID software. As skeletons were complete, aging and sexing methods were easily applied: 95% of individuals were sexed confidently. Although all individuals were aged, often only wide estimates were produced (e.g., 21–45 years). Ethnicity however was problematic and produced less usable results. Ancestry was not determined for 19 skulls. CRANID therefore requires extremely accurate cranial measurements by a practiced researcher. This study demonstrates that archeological methods benefit anatomical research but should be selected with limitations considered. Additionally, anatomical collections are valuable teaching and research resources to osteoarcheologists who are normally limited to fragmented remains.

This record has no associated files available for download.

Contributors

Author: Joanna Sofaer

Download statistics