Final answer:
To determine if a bone is human, forensic anthropologists examine the bone's shape, size, tissue type, developmental patterns, and surface features. The six types of bones in the human skeleton provide significant clues, and sexual dimorphism can also guide the assessment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors to Determine if a Bone is Human
To determine if a bone is human, forensic anthropologists examine a variety of factors. These include the shape and size of bones, as different species have distinct skeletal structures. In the human body, there are six types of bones which include long bones such as those in the limbs, short bones like those in the wrist, flat bones found in the skull, sesamoid bones such as the patella, sutural bones also in the skull, and irregular bones including vertebrae.
Furthermore, bones, cartilage, and ligaments are all made of types of tissue that provide specific clues. For instance, a live bone contains living tissue and can have implications for other systems in the body. On the other hand, bone cells do not contract to initiate movement; this function is reserved for muscle tissues attached to bones via tendons. Bone development, growth, and repair are also indicators of whether a bone is human, as these processes follow specific patterns and rates in humans.
The surface features of bones, such as the attachment sites for ligaments and tendons and the penetration of blood vessels and nerves, also help in making this determination. Sexual dimorphism, which reflects the differences between male and female skeletons, can also offer clues. Lastly, it's essential to consider the context in which the bones are found and any associated artifacts that could suggest human activity.