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Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
Published on: November 30, 2021
[Forensic value of the odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra as the initial object for DNA identification]
E V Ioganson1, F A Agliullina1, O A KravtsovA2
1Republican Bureau of Forensic Medical Expertise, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan, Russia.
Abstract:
Aim of this study is to evaluate the suitability of the fragments of the skeleton obtained from the burials from more than 50 years ago for identificational DNA-analysis. Anatomical and structural features of the odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra are presented, as well as the data of histological examination of the odontoid process and the body of the second cervical vertebra. We conclude that odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra have practical significance as starting material for obtaining high-molecular DNA in identification cases of skeletal human remains.

