title: Quantification of Osteon Morphology Using Geometric Histomorphometrics.
abstract: Many histological methods in forensic anthropology utilize combinations of traditional histomorphometric parameters which may not accurately describe the morphology of microstructural features. Here, we report the novel application of a geometric morphometric method suitable when considering structures without anatomically homologous landmarks for the quantification of complete secondary osteon size and morphology. The method is tested for its suitability in the measurement of intact secondary osteons using osteons digitized from transverse femoral diaphyseal sections prepared from two human individuals. The results of methodological testing demonstrate the efficacy of the technique when applied to intact secondary osteons. In providing accurate characterization of micromorphology within the robust mathematical framework of geometric morphometrics, this method may surpass traditional histomorphometric variables currently employed in forensic research and practice. A preliminary study of the intersectional histomorphometric variation within the femoral diaphysis is made using this geometric histomorphometric method to demonstrate its potential.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, College of Art, Science and Engineering, Medical Sciences Institute, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, U.K.
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dillon
authors.affiliation: Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, College of Art, Science and Engineering, Medical Sciences Institute, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, U.K.
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cunningham
authors.affiliation: Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, College of Art, Science and Engineering, Medical Sciences Institute, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, U.K.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Felts
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D059925:Anatomic Landmarks; D016723:Bone Remodeling; D018483:Diaphyses / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D018732:Forensic Anthropology; D005583:Fourier Analysis; D006253:Haversian System / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D055641:Mathematical Concepts; D008853:Microscopy
keywords: bone histology; forensic anthropology; forensic science; geometric morphometrics; histomorphometrics; human identification