Sex Determination From Skeletal Remains

Sex Determination from Skeletal Remains Overview Informative features are based on biological differences between sexes and races Males are generally taller and more robust Pelvis is the best bone to inspect due to differences of adaptations to childbirth Using The Pelvis Male Pelvic Bone Bones heavier, thicker. Pelvic cavity is narrow and deep. Pelvic inlet heart-shaped and smaller. Pubic arch angle acuter. Coccyx (tail bone) less flexible, more curved. Sacrum is long and narrow Female Pelvic Bone Bone is lighter, thinner. Pelvic cavity is wide and shallow. Pelvic inlet round and oval. Pubic arch angle large. Coccyx (tail bone) more flexible, straighter. Sacrum is shorter, wider, and curved more posteriorly Long Bones Can Be Used Normally, the long bones alone are not used alone to estimate gender. However, if these bones are the only ones present, there are characteristics that can be used for sex determination. Using Humerus Measuring the Humerus there will be certain characteristics to look for. Transverse and Vertical diameter of the head Width between Epicondyles Total Length of the Humerus Characteristics of Male and Female Humerus Using Femur The femur is the strongest and longest bones in the human skeleton. Male femurs are stronger and longer than female femurs. Diameter of the head of male femurs is greater than the female femurs. Link to Lecture Slides: *Due to the description character limit the full work cited for “Sex Determination From Skeletal Remains“ can be viewed at...