Histomorphometric Differences between Human and Sheep Femoral Cortices: Implications for Forensic Identification
Okon Michael
*
Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Oghenemavwe Ese Loveday
Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Abraham Ibinabo
Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Orupabo David Clinton
Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Yegbeburu Sandra Oghenetega
Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Southern Delta University, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This study compared histomorphometric and micromorphological features of the femoral cortex in humans and sheep (Ovis aries) for accurate forensic species identification, particularly in cases involving fragmented skeletal remains.
Study Design: Comparative histomorphometric study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Human Anatomy, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, with bone collection and analysis conducted between January and June 2024.
Methodology: Thirty femoral midshaft samples were analyzed, consisting of 15 human and 15 sheep specimens. Samples were processed using the Modified Frost technique, sectioned, mounted, and examined under a Leica ICC 50K photomicroscope. Histomorphometric parameters including osteon count, osteon diameter, and Haversian canal dimensions were measured using ImageJ software. Independent t-tests (P = .05) were applied to assess species differences.
Results: Significant differences were observed in secondary osteon count, osteon fragments, and Haversian canal dimensions (P < .001), with human femoral cortices showing higher remodeling activity and larger vascular channels. No significant difference was found in primary osteon count (p = 0.82). Micromorphologically, humans’ femoral cortices exhibited irregularly arranged secondary osteons, numerous osteon fragments, and well-developed Haversian and Volkmann’s canals. Sheep femoral cortices displayed a more organized plexiform pattern with fewer secondary osteons and smaller canals, indicating reduced remodeling activity.
Conclusion: Key histomorphometric and micromorphological features reliably differentiate humans from sheep femoral bone. These findings support the application of histomorphometric and qualitative analysis as effective tools in forensic anthropology for species identification and contribute to the developmentt of region specific forensic bone reference data.
Keywords: Histomorphometry, human femur, sheep femur, forensic anthropology, osteon, Haversian canal