Module 1: Bone Biology, Skeletal Development & Anatomical Terms

Question 1

What is the structure of bone?

Answer 1

90% Protein (Collagen) and Mineral (hydroxyapatite)

Question 2

How are bones formed?

Answer 2

Osteoblasts

Question 3

Where are osteoblasts found?

Answer 3

Underneath the periosteum of bone

Question 4

Periosteum

Answer 4

Thin membrane on the outer surface of bone

Question 5

Osteoclasts

Answer 5

Resorb or remove bone that is unnecessary

Question 6

Wolff’s Law

Answer 6

Bone is laid down where it is needed and resorbed where it is not

Question 7

What is the first step in a forensic investigation?

Answer 7

Determining remains are bone vs other material

Question 8

What is the second step in a forensic investigation?

Answer 8

Determining animal vs human bone

Question 9

How do you differentiate bone from non-bone?

Answer 9

Gross inspection, screening with 1/4” mesh, flotation, etc.

Question 10

Taphonomy

Answer 10

Environmental or human changes after death

Question 11

Radiography

Answer 11

Bone is usually more radio-opaque than sticks, plastic, other materials, so x-raying remains is a good way to sift through remains

Question 12

General microscopic analysis

Answer 12

Demonstrates texture and structure of bone that can be useful in ID

Question 13

ALS (Alternative light source)

Answer 13

Using shortwave light to ID bone-bone fluoresces

Question 14

Histological analysis

Answer 14

Can show microstructures which can help identify bone and tooth. Requires thin sectioning of bone.

Question 15

Elemental analysis

Answer 15

SEM/EDS or XRF to assess calcium and phosphorus content of materials

Question 16

Human bone

Answer 16

Textured, concentrated trabecular structures at ends of bones

Question 17

Mammal bone

Answer 17

Smooth in appearance, slight wood grain pattern, more homogeneous trabecular distribution

Question 18

Bird bone

Answer 18

smooth appearance, thin/less dense trabeculae

Question 19

Reptile bone

Answer 19

Smooth appearance, little to no trabecular bone, dense cortical bone

Question 20

When remains are fragmentary, what is the most helpful way to analyze materials?

Answer 20

Microscopic analysis

Question 21

Non-human bone

Answer 21

Usually non-Haversian and more linear. Fibrolamellar, laminar, or plexiform bone.

Question 22

How do mammal bones grow

Answer 22

In diameter very rapidly, as opposed to in length slowly

Question 23

Plexiform bone

Answer 23

Brick-like appearance or linear

Question 24

Haversian systems

Answer 24

Near muscle attachment sites in large mammals, consist of concentric rings oriented along the long axis of the bone

Question 25

Fibrolamellar bone

Answer 25

Layered/sandwiched and consisting of alternating Haversian and lamellar banding patterns, rarely in humans

Question 26

PRIA

Answer 26

radioimmunoassay, used to ID species proteins/DNA

Question 27

Osteocytes

Answer 27

Living bone cells. Growing bones are high in these, resulting in woven appearance “woven bone”

Question 28

Immature bone

Answer 28

“Woven bone.” Random collagen fibers, porous and disorganized

Question 29

Mature bone

Answer 29

Organized, more uniform

Question 30

Where is immature bone found after growth?

Answer 30

Fracture repairs and bone tumors

Question 31

Compact bone (dense/cortical bone)

Answer 31

Found in the outer shaft of long bones or joints. Contains Haversian canals for nutrients to flow.

Question 32

Subchondral bone

Answer 32

Found on the joint surfaces, covered by cartilage. Smooth and shiny appearance

Question 33

Trabecular bone (spongy/cancellous)

Answer 33

Fed by blood vessels within marrow cavity. Porous/honeycomb structure. Tightly packed at joint ends of bone. Strut system for support while making bones not heavy

Question 34

Bone growth

Answer 34

Deposition of bone on preexisting surface or tissue

Question 35

Intramembranous ossification

Answer 35

Ossification that occurs within a tissue membrane. Predominantly in skull bones

Question 36

Endochondral ossification

Answer 36

Occurs along a cartilaginous model. Base of skull and post-cranial elements

Question 37

Long bones

Answer 37

Grow in length and width

Question 38

Appositional growth

Answer 38

Allows the shaft to enlarge

Question 39

Epiphyseal plates

Answer 39

Allow for longitudinal growth

Question 40

Diaphysis

Answer 40

Bone shaft

Question 41

Epiphysis

Answer 41

End/joint surfaces

Question 42

Physis

Answer 42

Growth plate

Question 43

Where does bone growth occur?

Answer 43

diaphyseal side of plate until full shaft length reached, then fusion begins

Question 44

Cranial

Answer 44

Towards head

Question 45

Caudal

Answer 45

Towards tail

Question 46

Rostral

Answer 46

Towards nose when referencing skull

Question 47

Ventral

Answer 47

Towards belly or ground, down

Question 48

Dorsal

Answer 48

Towards back or sky, up

Question 49

Medial

Answer 49

Towards midline

Question 50

Lateral

Answer 50

Away from midline

Question 51

Proximal

Answer 51

Near axial skeleton (limbs)

Question 52

Distal

Answer 52

Farther from axial skeleton (limbs)

Question 53

Volar

Answer 53

Superior/anterior surface of paw or foot

Question 54

Plantar

Answer 54

Interior/posterior surface of paw or foot

Question 55

Axial

Answer 55

Head, ribs, vertebra

Question 56

Appendicular

Answer 56

Appendages, arms, legs, sockets

Question 57

Mesial

Answer 57

Towards midline or central incisors

Question 58

Distal

Answer 58

Away from the midline

Question 59

Lingual

Answer 59

Towards tongue

Question 60

Labial

Answer 60

Towards lips (anterior teeth/incisors)

Question 61

Buccal

Answer 61

Towards cheeks (posterior teeth/molars)

Question 62

Interproximal

Answer 62

Between two teeth

Question 63

Occlusal

Answer 63

Chewing surface, incisal surface on incisors