What does the term "forensic anthropology" refer to?

The term "forensic anthropology" specifically refers to the study of human skeletal remains in relation to legal matters. Forensic anthropologists apply their knowledge of human anatomy and osteology to assist in legal investigations, primarily focusing on the recovery, analysis, and identification of skeletal remains. This field is crucial in cases involving unidentified remains, mass disasters, or suspicious deaths where determining the identity of the deceased and understanding the circumstances surrounding their death is vital.

The practice involves not only identifying the age, sex, ancestry, and stature of individuals based on their skeletal features but also assessing trauma or pathology that may have relevance to legal cases. The expertise of forensic anthropologists can be instrumental in both criminal investigations and in providing evidence in court. This discipline stands apart from other forensic sciences that focus on different types of biological or physical evidence, emphasizing the importance of human skeletal analysis uniquely suited to forensic contexts.