What is Osteology?
Enter the world of Osteology by learning about the structure, form, and function of bones.
Comparative Anatomy Exhibit (2021) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
What are bones?
Bones are compact tissue that give our bodies structure and offer protection to organs. The cells that make up our bones are called osteocytes. Bones are a living tissue and they are constantly fixing themselves. Blood cells are made in bone marrow, the inner part of the bone.
Osteology concerns itself with how someone lived and died. Studying just the bones can provide valuable insights on an individual's age, sex, and any pathologies present. Scientists can also determine where someone grew up based on mineral composition and forensic dentists can use teeth to provide identity. For animals, a scientist can determine what species the animal is, if the animal was born in captivity, and if they had any past or present trauma.
Forensics and Pathology (2020) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
Forensic osteology
Forensic osteology is the application of the study of bones to crime investigation. Forensic anthropologists can determine information about trauma, pathology and any identifiers, such as age, sex, and height. This information is then used by detectives to solve crimes.
When an animal is born, their skull is not fully fused. It is flexible and has soft spots, called fontanels. This allows for the animal to pass safely through the birth canal. As they age and grow, these soft spots will ossify and fuse. The skull and skeleton will continue to grow and fuse at predictable rates. Scientists can use these suture fusion patterns to estimate the age of a specimen.
Skull Age Difference (2021) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
Skull growth and suture fusion
This picture shows how humans age. On the left is a fetus, in the middle is an adolescent, and on the left is an older individual.
Teeth and aging
Osteologists can also use teeth to estimate age. Teeth enter the maxilla and mandible at predictable ages. The last tooth to erupt is the 3rd molar, or wisdom tooth, at around 17 years of age. The wisdom teeth will reach occlusion at around 25.
Sexual dimorphism exists in almost all species. We can use this to determine the sex of an animal. Males generally have bigger muscles, and therefore bigger muscle attachment points. They have more pronounced features overall. Females are more gracile and have less pronounced features. They tend to be smaller. The pelvis is the best indicator of sex, as females have to accommodate childbirth.
Kyphosis Skeleton (2020) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
Pathology
Pathology is the study of the causes and affects of disease. There are many diseases that can affect the skeleton. The most common is osteoporosis. Osteologists can use bone diseases to identify individuals. These diseases can also leave clues about lifestyle.
Pathology Skulls (2010) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
Pathologies
Here you can see how some diseases impact the skeleton. The skull on the front right has been affected by acromegaly. The skull in the back with the holes on the frontal bone had tertiary syphilis. You can compare these with the standard male on the front left.
Tapir with Osteosarcoma (2021) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
Animal pathologies
Animals get pathologies too. Many species of dogs are prone to cancer. Cows and deer get lumpy jaw. Most of the time, these things are treatable if you have access to veterinary care. If not, the infections can be lethal and leave permanent evidence on the bone.
Healed bones (2021) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
Bone remodeling
Human long bones are resilient. With proper medical attention, bones can heal almost perfectly. A skilled anthropologist will be able to determine about when each fracture occurred, based on the degree of healing.
Forensics and Pathology (2020) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
Trauma
Trauma is anything that leaves markings on the bone and causes injury. There are four types: Blunt, Sharp, Ballistic, and Puncture. Traumas can be survivable. In that case, scientists look for evidence of bone remodeling, a smoothing over of skeletal injuries.
Cuviers Beaked Whale (2010) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
Whale bone fracture repairs
This Cuvier's Beaked Whale has some bone remodeled ribs. These fractures, although healed, are a little swollen. Whales don't have access to vets, who can properly set their bones. Constant movement to a bone causes improper healing.
As we've seen, the study of bones is not just about anatomy but a window into identity, and even justice through forensic science. Whether you're pursuing a career in healthcare, research, or anthropology, osteology offers essential insights into the framework that supports life itself. Remember, every bone tells a story.
Museum of Osteology
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