In various criminal cases, there have been discoveries of decomposed human skeletons. To solve this case, it is necessary for forensic anthropologists to identify the skeleton. Therefore, it is necessary to read and measure dimensions on bones or anthropometry. Then, How does Forensic Anthropology measure skeleton with anthropometry ?
Understanding Forensic Anthropology In Criminal Cases
As we have explained in the article, Forensic Anthropometry Identification in Criminal Cases, the identification process is a crucial process for determining the clarity of a person’s biological identity. Not only against victims but also perpetrators of violence. For perpetrators of acts of violence, this identification technique is called the Bertilon System.
The Bertilon System is to recognize facial features on perpetrators of acts of violence. However, this is different if the case at hand requires Forensic Anthropologists to identify the skeleton of the human body. In homicide cases, bodies are often found in a decomposed state. Decomposed is a term that is often used to describe the chemical decay of living things that have died.
In addition to decomposed skeletons, there are sometimes cases where the bones are scattered over one another. In cases like this, a Forensic Anthropologist is required to identify the identity of the victim.
Read More : 4 Types of Caliper, Instrument to Measure Skeletons
How Does Forensic Anthropology Measure Skeleton With Anthropometry?
Identification Forensic Anthropology can estimate a person’s age, gender, race and height by simply analyzing bones. These bone readings are a prime indicator and although they cannot pinpoint the identity of the victim, forensic anthropologists can assist in narrowing down possible profiles.
Several identification techniques that can accompany the main indicators can also identify a number of things, namely :
- DNA profile and fingerprints
- Comparison of dental findings
- Ante-Mortem Medical
- Tattoo or Scar
- Anthropometry (measurement of hands, feet, ears, nose etc.)
- Pathology or Anomaly deformity
In some cases, Forensic Anthropology requires Somatometry data to improve the accuracy of identification. Somatometry itself is an anthropological study to group certain populations.
Read more : Somatometry, Mostly Used in Forensic Anthropology
In subadults (infants, children and adolescents) growth and development rates are more predictable than in adults, so estimates of age of death for subadults are more precise. In the case of adults, this estimate is based on degenerative skeletal changes.
Basically, age can be determined by the growth of teeth. However, if the tooth frame is not detected then age can be analyzed through the length and stage of bone union. The following is an identification based on readings on the bones :
The Skull, What Does It Tell You About ?
In the process of identifying criminal cases, several parts of the head and face imply a lot of useful information in solving criminal cases. As in the cheeks or the width of the cheeks (os zygomaticum) and the height of the nose (nasal height) which can provide information related to race.
In addition, skulls can be used to identify gender. In males, it tends to be larger and has a more prominent muscle attachment site with a prominent mastoid process. Meanwhile, the female mastoid process is more gracile or small. In addition, the frontal sinuses in males are larger while females are smaller.
Apart from that, there are also Glabella, Frontal and Ear Spine (Prosessus Mastoideus) which can inform gender.
Pelvis Measurement Could Tell You About This
In adults, sex is determined by analyzing the pelvic bones and skull. This information is combined with measurement data from the postcranial skeleton. The male pelvis is stronger with more prominent muscle attachments and a narrow sciatic indentation. The sciatic notch is wider in women and the obturator foramen is smaller and more triangular in men. Meanwhile, the pelvic inlet is heart-shaped in men and elliptical or circular in women.
Getting To Know The Living Height From These Bones
Estimation of living height can be seen through the length of the bones in the arms and legs. The instruments used are the Anthropometer and Sliding Caliper. The method of calculation is called The Garwin Method.
Forensic Anthropology Measurement Tools
From the narrative, it can be concluded that anthropometric data of the human body plays a very important role in solving criminal cases. An instrument that is precise, easy to move and has complete functions is required. Some of the most widely used measuring instruments in the world of forensic anthropology and human anatomy are the Sliding Caliper, Small Spreading Caliper and Anthropometer which can be found in Portable Anthropometry.
Portable Anthropometry from PT. Solo Abadi Indonesia is an innovation of 100 Anthropometric measurements in a set of Anthropometric tools. This instrument can also be used to take measurements in a sitting and standing position, according to the body features required in Forensic Anthropometry.
Contact our team for further consultation via WhatsApp. Further information regarding product details and educational information regarding anthropometric measurements can be accessed through our official website at www.soloabadi.com.
