osteology
Science of skeletons
Osteology is the branch of anatomy concerned with the structure and function of bones.
The term applies both to the scientific study itself and to the skeletal characteristics of a particular species or individual: The osteology of birds reflects adaptations for flight.
In forensic and archaeological contexts, osteology helps identify remains and determine cause of death.
Internal supportive framework
- skullHead's bone casing
- femurUpper leg bone
- tibiaMain lower leg bone
- vertebraeInterlocking bones of spine
mandible · clavicle · pelvis · sternum · ribcage · humerus · radius · ulna
Skull bone structure
- occipitalOf the skull's rear
- temporalRelating to chronology
- parietalOf the skull wall
- frontalOf the fore side
maxilla · mandible · sphenoid · ethmoid · calvaria · sutures · fontanelle · foramen
Preserved ancient organism
- dinosaurExtinct Mesozoic reptile
- excavationAct of unearthing
- JurassicDinosaur-dominated geological period
- CretaceousFinal Mesozoic period
Triassic · megafauna · mastodon · theropod · pterosaur · ichthyosaur · trilobite · petrified
Of an outer layer
- trabecularHaving internal latticework
- marrowSoft bone interior
- periosteumFibrous bone covering
- ossificationConversion to bone tissue
calcification · mineralization · collagen · lamellae · osteoblasts · osteoclasts · cartilage · epiphysis
Study of structural forms
- bioarchaeologyScience of excavated remains
- comparativeInvolving measured contrast
- skeletalOf or like bones
- articulationClear vocal expression
disarticulation · commingled · assemblage · curation · measurement · analysis · identification · documentation
Establishing who someone is
- traumaLasting psychological wound
- fractureSplit in hard material
- pathologyStudy of disease processes
- postmortemExamination after death
perimortem · antemortem · sex determination · stature · ancestry · decomposition · remains · recovery
Placing deceased underground
- cemeteryPlace for interring remains
- ossuaryReceptacle for skeletal remains
- charnelOf or containing remains
- cremainsIncinerated bodily remains
funerary · mortuary · demographics · migration · ancient DNA · mummification · defleshing
skeleton
Internal supportive framework
vertebrae · mandible · clavicle · pelvis · sternum · ribcage · humerus · radius · ulna · carpal
cranium
Skull bone structure
frontal · maxilla · mandible · sphenoid · ethmoid · calvaria · sutures · fontanelle · foramen · sinuses
fossil
Preserved ancient organism
- dinosaurExtinct Mesozoic reptile
- excavationAct of unearthing
- JurassicDinosaur-dominated geological period
Cretaceous · Triassic · megafauna · mastodon · theropod · pterosaur · ichthyosaur · trilobite · petrified · stratigraphy
cortical
Of an outer layer
- trabecularHaving internal latticework
- marrowSoft bone interior
- periosteumFibrous bone covering
ossification · calcification · mineralization · collagen · lamellae · osteoblasts · osteoclasts · cartilage · epiphysis · medullary
morphology
Study of structural forms
- bioarchaeologyScience of excavated remains
- comparativeInvolving measured contrast
- skeletalOf or like bones
articulation · disarticulation · commingled · assemblage · curation · measurement · analysis · identification · documentation
identification
Establishing who someone is
postmortem · perimortem · antemortem · sex determination · stature · ancestry · decomposition · remains · recovery · examination
burial
Placing deceased underground
- cemeteryPlace for interring remains
- ossuaryReceptacle for skeletal remains
- charnelOf or containing remains
cremains · funerary · mortuary · demographics · migration · ancient DNA · mummification · defleshing
osteologyneurology
Medical science of nerves
dermatology · cardiology · hepatology · nephrology · gastroenterology