An Evaluation of Embalmed Cadaveric Human Tissue in the Investigation of Multiple Freeze and Thaw Cycles on the Histological Morphology of Human Bone

• Author / Creator

  Perkins, Aaron A

• Our understanding of the myriad of possible taphonomic agents acting on remains in a forensic context has dramatically increased over the last two decades (Haglund and Sorg, 2002); however, the effects of cold temperature on the microstructure of bone tissue are still not well understood. Recent research on unembalmed human bone has investigated these effects (Tersigni, 2002, 2007). Although tentative, this research has shown that freezing does affect bone tissue at the microscopic level. Considering the potential significance of these findings for forensic evaluation and identification of found human remains, Tersigni’s research highlights the need for additional research. The research reported in this thesis provides an important step forward in the development of methodological approaches to the study of temperature effects on human bone.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Cadaveric Tissue
  • Osteology
  • Forensic Anthropology
  • Cold Temperature
  • Taphonomy
  • Embalmed Bone
  • Histology

• Graduation date

  Fall 2012

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Arts

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3KS4K

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.