Importance of the comparative anatomy in Forensic Anthropology – case report

• Main Authors: Rhonan Ferreira da Silva, Solon Diego Santos Carvalho Mendes, Décio Ernesto de Azevedo Marinho, Ademir Franco do Rosário Júnior, Marco Aurélio Guimarães
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Editora Univille 2014
• Subjects: Forensic Dentistry; Forensic Anthropology; comparative anatomy; Canis lupus
• Online Access: http://periodicos.univille.br/index.php/RSBO/article/view/920

In forensic sciences, reconstructive victim profile is a commonly used procedure to provide individual data in cases of complex human identifications. In forensic anthropology, valuable data are obtained from skeletal and dental analysis such as gender, age, ancestry, stature, and differentiation between human and nonhuman remains. Objective: To highlight the relevance of comparative anatomy analysis to differentiate human and non-human remains. Case report: Four bone fragments and one tooth were found on a potential crime scene, and were submitted to forensic examinations. The examinations revealed non-human anthropological remains. Additionally, the analyzed bones and tooth were classified as animal remains, specifically from a domestic dog (Canis lupus familiares). Conclusion: In this context, it is relevant to be trained and aware of the usefulness of comparative anatomy into the forensic anthropology routine in order to perform complete and accurate examinations.