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Updated: May 27, 2026
Culture of Murine Embryonic Metatarsals: A Physiological Model of Endochondral Ossification
Published on: December 3, 2016
Skeletal biology over the life span: a view from the surfaces
James H Gosman1, Samuel D Stout, Clark Spencer Larsen
1Department of Anthropology, 4034 Smith Laboratory, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210-1106, USA. gosman.1@osu.edu
Abstract:
The biocultural interpretation of skeletal remains is based upon the foundation of skeletal biology. In this review we examine the current state of skeletal biology research outside of the mainstream anthropology literature. The focus is on the structural changes of bone development and growth, and modeling and repair in the four bone surfaces: periosteal, Haversian, endosteal, and trabecular. The pattern of skeletal changes is placed within the framework of the human life span. New perspectives and direction of research on the environmental, biological, and genetic influences on modeling and remodeling processes are discussed chronologically at each bone surface. Implications for biological anthropologists are considered. This approach emphasizes variation in skeletal biology as a dynamic record of development, maturity, and aging.
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