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"Aged" autopsy gallstones simulating dry bone context: A morphological, histological and SEM-EDS analysis
Lucie Biehler-Gomez1, Emanuela Maderna1, Gloria Brescia1
1LABANOF, Laboratorio Di Antropologia E Odontologia Forense, Sezione Di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento Di Scienze Biomediche per La Salute, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy.
International Journal of Paleopathology
|October 8, 2018
Summary
This study details gallstone morphology and composition to aid paleopathologists and bioarchaeologists in identifying these ancient health indicators. Understanding these variations helps in recognizing gallstones in archaeological findings.
Area of Science:
- Bioarchaeology
- Paleopathology
- Medical Anthropology
Background:
- Gallstones (cholelithiasis) are calculus formations in the gallbladder or bile ducts.
- Their identification in archaeological contexts offers insights into past populations' health and environmental conditions.
- This study provides a reference for recognizing ancient gallstones.
Observation:
- 270 modern gallstones were analyzed for morphological, histological, and elemental variations.
- Cross-sectional surfaces correlate with chemical composition, aiding classification.
- Elemental analysis revealed high frequencies of carbon, calcium, and phosphorus.
Findings:
- Gallstones exhibit significant variation in size, shape, color, and texture.
- Histological and elemental analyses confirm classifications based on morphology.
- Morphological characteristics are key indicators for identifying gallstones in archaeological remains.
Implications:
- Familiarity with gallstone variations aids researchers in identifying them in archaeological sites.
- This research helps estimate the prevalence of gallstones in past populations.
- Understanding gallstone presence contributes to reconstructing past environmental, cultural, and biological conditions.