how can the skull be used to determine age
How can the skull be used to determine age?
Answer:
The study of skulls, especially in forensic anthropology and archaeology, plays a crucial role in determining the age of individuals. There are various ways in which the skull can be used to estimate age:
Suture Closure: In the skull, there are areas where different bones meet, known as sutures. The closure of these sutures can provide valuable information about the age of the individual. As a person ages, these sutures gradually close. By examining the extent of closure, forensic experts can estimate the age of an individual.
Dental Development: Another key indicator is dental development. The eruption and wear of teeth can help experts determine the age of a person. Children have deciduous (baby) teeth that are gradually replaced by permanent teeth. By examining the stages of teeth development and wear, forensic anthropologists can estimate age accurately.
Sagittal Suture: The closure of the sagittal suture, which runs from the front to the back of the skull, is also used to estimate age. This suture closes around the age of 26. After this closure, the age estimation based on this method becomes less accurate.
Cranial Sutures: The closure and obliteration of cranial sutures also provide information about a person’s age. The closure pattern and degree of fusion of these sutures can be indicative of age range.
Cranial Bone Density: As individuals age, changes occur in bone density. Studying the density of cranial bones can also assist in estimating age.
Overall, by combining these methods and carefully examining different aspects of the skull, forensic anthropologists can provide valuable insights into the age of an individual.