BSFS Forensic Pathology and Anthropology 2

Question 1

Forensic odontology (forensic dentistry) is commonly used for victim identification because:

Accepted Answer

Dental records and bite mark patterns are unique and teeth are highly resistant to decomposition and fire

Answer

Teeth survive conditions that destroy soft tissue and bone, and dental records (X-rays, restorations, unique morphology) allow comparison-based identification of remains.

Question 2

The term 'petechial hemorrhages' in forensic pathology refers to:

Accepted Answer

Tiny pinpoint hemorrhages in the conjunctiva or skin caused by increased venous pressure, often associated with asphyxia

Answer

Petechiae result from rupture of small capillaries under increased pressure during asphyxia, forming a classic finding in strangulation and hanging deaths.

Question 3

In forensic anthropology, the pubic symphysis is used primarily to estimate:

Accepted Answer

Age at death in adult skeletons

Answer

The pubic symphysis undergoes predictable age-related changes in surface texture and morphology, making it one of the most reliable skeletal indicators of adult age.

Question 4

A contact gunshot wound to the head typically produces which distinctive finding around the wound?

Accepted Answer

Soot, stippling, and a muzzle contusion (stellate/star-shaped laceration) from gases entering the wound

Answer

Contact wounds show blackening from soot, no stippling (since powder doesn't travel through air), and gas-driven stellate skin lacerations when fired against the skull.

Question 5

Forensic entomology uses insect evidence at a scene primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Estimate the postmortem interval (PMI) based on the developmental stage of insects colonizing remains

Answer

Insects such as blowflies colonize remains in predictable succession patterns; the development stage of larvae allows estimation of how long the body has been present.

BSFS - Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science Practice Test

BSFS - Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science Practice Test

BSFS Forensic Pathology and Anthropology 2