Sexing and Aging the Skeleton: A Comprehensive Guide

SEX AND AGE LAB Part I: Sexing the Skeleton Reviewing Skull Landmarks Glabella

2 Sexing the Skull To assess sex in the skull, anthropologists have devised the following chart. Examine the skull at this link: https://www.dlt.ncssm.edu/tiger/360views/Forensics_Skull-K_800x600/index.html and choose the number that best characterizes each of the traits pictured here. Then add the numbers to determine the sex of the individual.

3 Reviewing Pelvic Landmarks Sex differences in the shape of the human pelvis are a result of selection acting on locomotion and parturition (giving birth). The dramatic functional differences between the male and female pelvis result in substantial shape differences. As such, the pelvis is the most reliable skeletal indicator of biological sex. 1. What is the arrow pointing to in this figure? 2. What trait is circled in red this illustration? 3. What trait is circled in red this illustration? 4. Using the 3 traits you identified in the figures above, estimate the sex of the pelvis at the following link : https://www.dlt.ncssm.edu/tiger/360views/Forensics_Pelvis_X4_low- angle_view_800x600/index.html ESTIMATED SEX : _________________________

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4 Part II: Aging the Skeleton Aging based on epiphyseal union In a child, the parts of an individual bone are not fused together. Instead, we can see the shaft ( diaphysis ) of the bone and a cap on the end called the epiphysis . As we get older, these epiphyses fuse to the diaphysis to form a single bone. 1. Why do we have unfused epiphyses when we are young, but not when we are older? 2. Examine the picture of the tibia/fibula . Fill in the letters on the appropriate line, naming the different parts of the growing bone: ________ Diaphysis ________ Metaphysis (growth plate) ________ Proximal Epiphysis ________ Distal Epiphysis A C B D

5 Aging from Teeth 1. Based on the degree of crown and root development of the two individuals to the right, which one is OLDER : bottom or top? Why? (Teeth are coded as; M1 = adult first molar, dm1 = deciduous (baby) first molar. Dm2 = deciduous (baby) second molar). 2. What about the two to the right, which is OLDER : Bottom or Top? Why?

6 Aging from pubic symphysis The bones of the pubic symphysis exhibit regular changes throughout the lifetime of an adult and provide a means by which to assess age in an adult. Through erosion and joint deterioration, the surfaces change from being rugged and topographically complex to being smooth and flat. The figure below illustrates these changes. 1. Using the figure above, examine the pictures below and determine which is OLDER for each picture : right or left? Or might they be close in age? Picture A: _______________________ Picture B:__________________ YOUNG MIDDLE OLD

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Sex and Age Online Lab

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