Using histomorphometric traits of bone microarchitecture in the determination of biological affinity

Abstract

This research began to establish alternate possible means for determining the biological affinity for fragmented skeletal remains between geographically disparate populations, specifically American-Caucasians and Southeast Asians. The goal is to determine the feasibility of developing a method that may be used in the field to differentiate the remains of U.S. servicemen from people of Southeast Asia. This technique is based upon differences in bone histomorphometric variables. The variables used in this research are the osteon area (On. Ar), Haversian canal area (H. Ar), and osteon population density (OPD). The conclusions reached in this research suggest that differences exist on the population level among these two populations. Histomorphometric differences exist on the population level among these two populations. Histomorphometric differences occur within mean Haversian canal area measurements and osteon population densities. However, it is not possible to discern which variables are principally accountable for the differences.