How does osteology help the anthropologist identify a skeletonized body ?

Human osteology is the study of human bones.  It is a
broad term that encompasses all aspects of bones, including normal bone formation, all
details of bone anatomy, and the effects on bones of disease and trauma.  Osteology also
deals with the indications in bones of the race, sex, age, stature and ethnicity of the
person from whom the bone or bones came.

Among many
determinations possible, the forensic anthropologist can use osteology to identify the
person whose bone(s) or skeleton is recovered.

For example,
bones of the pelvis, especially the pubic bones, have clues of the subject’s sex.  In
females, these bones may show telltale signs of any pregnancies.  The skull has
characteristic features of the various races.  The long bones of the extremities, as
well as many other bones bear indications of the subject’s
age.

The overall heaviness of certain bones, features noted
in areas of muscle attachment and other findings may indicate occupational or athletic
activities in which the subject engaged during
life.

Diseases and trauma during life often leave
indicators on bones.  Fractures, for example, can be compared to medical X-rays of a
living candidate to see if there is a match.