What does a forensic anthropologist do?
Anthropologist versus Pathologist: Different but Complementary Skills
Pathologists are experts in studying the bodies of the dead, but their extensive medical training and expertise is focused on the soft tissues of the body. Pathologists do not have training in the detailed analysis of the skeleton.When the soft tissues have decomposed it is essential for a forensic anthropologist to examine the skeletal remains of the body. Techniques of skeletal analysis are developing very rapidly and forensic anthropologists have a better knowledge and understanding of the latest scientific methods. Pathologists may not be aware of this research because the majority of their work concerns the soft tissues. When human bodies are partially decomposed, but soft tissue is still present, the best approach is for the pathologist and anthropologist to work collaboratively in order to ensure the best interpretation of the evidence.Forensic anthropologists are trained in comparative osteology (i.e. the bones of different animals as well as humans) and can quickly differentiate between animal and human remains. The image below shows the humeri from different species of animals to highlight the morphological differences and similarities. It is the ends of the bones (the epiphyses) that are the most diagnostic in terms of identifying which animal the bone is from.

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