Quantification of anatomical variation at the atlanto-occipital articulation: morphometric resolution of commingled human remains within the repatriation documentation process.

摘要: Within many institutional collections are skeletal and mummified human remains representing a part of our species' adaptation evolution to various biocultural environments. Archaeologically recovered individuals come from deep into past, possess information that provides insight population history, genetics, diet, health other questions relevant all living peoples. Academic concerns have been raised regarding the reinterment these due rise international repatriation movement, passage laws implementation policies. While potential research cannot be anticipated, proactive documentation is one way ensure primary data maintained for future study. This paper explores developments in digitization technology allow archive virtual copies remains, an example how anatomical archaeological can digitized towards pragmatic goals. The variability atlanto-occipital (AO) articular surfaces was studied using non-metric categorical shape, 2D measurement 3D morphometric analyses provide reference standards reassociation commingled such as found some sites or forensic investigations including mass grave disaster recovery scenes. Results suggest qualitative shape observations caliper-derived measurements articulating AO condyles tend display significant sexual dimorphism biological ancestry-related size differences. Variables derived scanned mesh, condylar angle surface curvature, quantify biomechanical variation stronger congruency within individuals. It recommended two-stage approach involving initial screening identification possible candidates accomplished with linear osteometric approach, followed by laser scanning candidate joint confirm reassociations when destructive DNA typing not allowed otherwise impractical cost resource restrictions.