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Skeleton Keys

An Introduction to Human Skeletal Morphology, Development, and Analysis

Second Edition

Jeffrey H. Schwartz

Publication Date - 01 September 2006

ISBN: 9780195188592

416 pages
Hardcover
7-1/2 x 9-1/4 inches

Thoroughly revised and updated, the second edition of this accessible introduction to the study of the human skeleton.

Description
Book Information ▼
Table of Contents

Description

In Skeleton Keys: An Introduction to Human Skeletal Morphology, Development, and Analysis, Second Edition, Jeffrey H. Schwartz presents a detailed yet highly accessible introduction to the study of the human skeleton. This unique volume examines the skeleton from its developmental basis to the expression of individual variation. It reviews a variety of different approaches used to determine an individual's sex, age, and pathological history and challenges readers to think critically about how to analyze a human skeleton rather than learning formulas for quick results. An ideal text for courses in human osteology, skeletal analysis, and bioarchaeology, this book is also a helpful reference for professionals.

Thoroughly revised and updated, the second edition of Skeleton Keys features:

* The companion website contains hundreds of color images of skeletons and skeletal elements--demonstrating morphology, pathology, and nonmetric variation--that can be used as classroom projections or for individual study
* Coverage of the most recent developments in the field, including the molecular regulation of bone and tooth formation
* Expanded studies in each area of analysis: sex, age, nonmetric variation, pathology, biodistance and bioarchaeology, and stable isotope analysis
* Additional photographic images, especially in the pathology and sexing chapters
* Two separate and extensively illustrated chapters on the skull, one dealing with articulated elements and one with isolated bones (these topics were covered in one chapter in the first edition)
* Integration of material--such as anthropometric landmarks--from appendices in the previous edition into relevant chapters as tables
* More accessible language throughout and an extensive glossary

Previous Publication Date(s)
Reviews

Previous Publication Date(s)

September 1995

Reviews

"Skeleton Keys takes the reader beyond basic human osteology; the choice of content, format, and writing style encourages meaningful reflections concerning how we approach our understanding of the human skeleton."--Midori Albert, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

"For those teaching a course that is biologically oriented, Skeleton Keys is the best book. It covers microscopic anatomy and growth and development of bones and teeth and is appropriate for students interested in paleoanthropology, biology, and medicine, in addition to those interested in human osteology."--M. Anne Katzenberg, University of Calgary

"The quality of the images is excellent. These images on a CD will enhance the student experience. . . . [This book is a] very useful text for any biological anthropologist and ideal for osteology courses of various levels."--Helen Cho, Davidson College

Preface

1. An Introduction to Skeletal Anatomy and the Development, Physiology, and Biochemistry of Bone

2. The Skull

Cranium

Facial Skeleton

Skullcap

Base of the Skull

Nasal Cavity

3. Individual Bones of the Skull

Morphology