Learning objectives
Paleoanthropology studies the development of ancient cultures also by morphometric evaluation of cadaveric specimens,
often using advanced diagnostic imaging.
In fact,
modern technologies allow,
often with minimally invasive approach,
an accurate assessment of the anatomy,
health status and causes of death of the bodies.
The morphometric study was created especially for forensic purposes,
and only then,
was applied by paleoanthropologists for scientific purposes.
In the study of the fossil record is essential not to cause tissue damage,
preferring to physical inspection of the minimally invasive...
Background
The skulls were studied with a 64-slice MSCT scanner using the following scan parameters:
collimation: 64x0.625 mm;
gantry rotation time: 0,45 sec;
slice thickness: 0,9 mm;
slice increment: 0,45 mm;
120 Kv,
100 mAs,
with a sharp filter.
Acquired data were analyzed on an advanced computer workstation where,
besides the axial images,
multiplanar,
maximum intensity projection and volume rendering reconstructions were visualised.
Imaging findings OR Procedure details
The evaluation of the images of the Neolithic skull showed a sharp decrease in the bone structure of the right temporal bone and part of the right parietal and frontal bones; also the left temporal bone showed an alteration of the structure,
even if of less extension (fig.
1 e fig.2).
The findings obtained were attribuited to blunt force injuries that caused the death of the individual,
but the lack of soft tissue and the analysis only of the skull not allow us to distinguish...
Conclusion
The morphometric study was created especially for forensic purposes,
and only afterwards was applied by paleoanthropologists for scientific purposes.
MSCT can allows for an accurate morphometric evaluation of paleoanthropological findings,
which can permit to obtain information about human anatomy,
diseases and life habits of people of the past.
References
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2001.
The mummy congress.
Science,
obsession,
and the everlasting dead.
NY,
USA: Hyperion
- P.
Cosmacini,
P.
Piacentini (2008) Notes on the history of the radiological study of Egyptian mummies: from X-rays to new imaging techniques.
Radiol med 113:615–626
- Dannenfeldt KM (1985) Egyptian mumia: the sixteenth century experience and debate.
Sixteenth Century Journal 16:163–180
- Pollès R (2001) La momie de Khéops à Hollywood.
Les Éditions de l’Amateur,
Paris
- Peck WH.
1998.
Mummies of ancient Egypt.
In: Cockburn A,
Cockburn...