Osteology

Catalog description

Introduction to the systematic study of the human skeleton from an evolutionary developmental biological perspective. ANTH 410 Osteology (4) This course introduces students to the aspects of the human skeleton and dentition that are of anatomical, archaeological, forensic, and developmental significance. Topics include the identification of skeletal and dental structures; the distinction between normal and pathological bone; the estimation of age, sex, and stature from skeletons; bone metabolism; growth and development; and the functional aspects of musculoskeletal and dental systems. Up to one-half of the course is spent on bone identification and skeletal anatomy. Lectures are supplemented by labs that provide practical experience in the identification of individual bones and anatomical structures, age and sex estimation, and the differentiation of abnormal from normal bony structures. It is absolutely essential for students to attend labs to familiarize themselves with bone specimens and casts. At the close of this course, students are expected to be able to recognize human bones and be familiar with anatomical terms, the bony landmarks that define their shape, and the relation of those bones with various soft-tissue structures. Students will have a basic grasp of bone growth and development, as well as how to identify an individual's general characteristics from the skeleton, such as age, sex, and prior life-history events including disease and trauma. The course fulfills a 400-level elective for the Anthropology (BA) major and minor, as well as the Archaeological Science and Biological Anthropology (BS) degree programs.