• Skeletal remains can reveal a lot about human disease.skeleton image by jeancliclac from Fotolia.com
  
  Within the field of biological anthropology are several sub-fields that deal exclusively with the human skeleton. Each sub-field deals with human skeletal anatomy in a different way, offering information on everything from disease to evidence in criminal investigations.
  
  

Forensic Anthropology

• Forensic anthropology is a major sub-discipline within biological anthropology dealing mainly with modern human skeletal remains. A skilled forensic anthropologist can determine many things about the deceased, from any disease that might have been present in the person to the manner in which he died. It is also possible to determine the person's place of birth from clues left in the teeth. Forensic anthropologists often work with law enforcement on criminal investigations.
  
  

Osteology

• Osteology is the study of human skeletal anatomy and biology. Often consulted by forensic anthropologists, osteologists offer in-depth knowledge of bone structure, morphology and pathology in determining a deceased person's sex, age and stature.
  
  

Forensic Osteology

• Forensic osteologists aid in solving crimes.cd_botella-6 image by Paco Ayala from Fotolia.com
  
  Forensic osteology is the study of bones as they relate to criminal investigation. Based in the discipline of osteology, forensic osteologists use their knowledge to determine the identity of found bodies, as well as the manner and time of death.
  
  

Paleopathology

• Paleopathology studies the history of disease as inferred from human skeletal remains. It studies the impact of disease on past populations in an attempt to predict future epidemics and prevent them. Influenced by epidemiology and demography, paleopathology is invaluable in understanding the transmission of communicable disease across vast geographic areas.