Journal Published Online: 01 March 2001
Volume 46, Issue 2

Differences in Osteon Banding Between Human and Nonhuman Bone

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to compare patterns of osteon organization in human and nonhuman bone. A linear organization of Haversian systems in nonhuman bone, where osteons line up in rows, has been reported but has not been quantified. The present research provides a quantitative examination of this observation through a comparative analysis of the femoral midshaft from human and nonhuman bone. Femoral midshaft thin sections from 60 humans were compared to femoral midshaft sections from nine sheep and six miniature swine. The presence or absence of osteon banding was recorded and, if present, described. Results indicate that 2 out of 60 human sections and 5 out of 15 nonhuman sections exhibit osteon banding (x2 = 9.46; p < 0.01). Further, the type of banding present in the human and nonhuman samples is easily distinguished, indicating that human and nonhuman bone can be distinguished where banding is present in this study.

Author Information

Mulhern, DM
National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC
Ubelaker, DH
National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC
Pages: 3
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS14952J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14952J