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 techniques.
So the discovery of X-ray medical purposes has greatly increased the possibilities for the study of mummies and all cadaveric specimens that have been found in several centuries.
However,
the X-rays are not able to provide extensive information in the study of bones and soft tissues of mummies,
in fact in the case of the bones of the overlapping structures and the poor contrast resolution do not allow a complete evaluation of structural alterations or traumatic events which the bones themselves are going to meet,
while in the case of the soft tissues of the mummies the presence of bandages or chemicals used for mummification,
and the overlap of the different anatomical planes,
have severely limited the use.
The introduction of Computed Tomography (CT) in clinical practice has been shown that it is possible to accurately assess the bones and soft tissues,
and the technique has been used for both purposes for forensic paleoanthropological purposes/to contribute to paleoanthropological research.
Its non-destructive nature is the biggest advantage for studying fossil skulls.
The second advantage is the possibility of image analysis,
storage,
and transmission
Another step forward was made through the use of multislice computed tomography (MSCT),
with marked improvement in the quality of three-dimensional reconstructions.
The main contributions of CT to cranial paleoanthropology are five-fold:
- numerical anatomy with rapid acquisition and high spatial resolution (helicoidal and multidetector CT) offering digital storage and stereolithography (3D printing);
- numerical biometry (2D and 3D) can be used to create "normograms" such as the 3D craniofacial reference model used in maxillofacial surgery;
- numerical analysis offers thorough characterization of the specimen and its state of conservation and/or restoration;
- from "surrealism" to virtual imaging,
anatomical structures can be reconstructed,
providing access to hidden or dangerous zones;
- the time dimension (4D imaging) confers movement and the possibility for endoscopic simulation and internal navigation.
The aim of the study was to demonstrate the usefulness of MSCT in morphometric evaluation of two skulls,
of Neolithic and Punic origin respectively,
for studies of paleoanthropology.