NCJ Number
140925
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 38 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1993) Pages: 151-155
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Siding and sequencing human ribs, that is, putting them in anatomical order, are essential to the proper examination and documentation of chest injuries.
Abstract
The lack of information on sequencing nonfleshed human ribs makes it especially difficult for physical anthropologists and medicolegal authorities to differentiate midthoracic ribs. The current investigation involved adult cadaver and dry bone specimens at the University of Tennessee and the National Museum of Natural History. The morphology of ribs and their attachment to the spine were observed in situ before dissection. In many instances, ribs were attached to the vertebrae by mummified soft tissue such as ligaments. It was found that ribs could be sequenced accurately without the aid of a comparative skeleton using such features as maximum (relative) rib length, size and shape of articular facets, distance between articular facets and rib angle, and height of rib heads relative to one another. Once sequenced, ribs could be examined for evidence of premortem and perimortem trauma and compared with tears in the decedent's clothing. 6 references and 3 figures