Forensics Final Study Guide

Ligatures are a sign of strangulation because they are typically used to restrict airflow by applying pressure to the neck. This can result in the blockage of blood vessels and air passages, leading to asphyxiation. The presence of ligature marks or indentations on the neck is a common indicator of strangulation.

AB is the least common blood type because it is the rarest among the four major blood types (A, B, AB, and O). This is because AB blood type is a result of having both A and B antigens on the surface of red blood cells, making it less common than A, B, or O blood types which have only one or none of these antigens.

Blood type O is the most common blood type because it lacks both the A and B antigens on the red blood cells. This means that it can be safely transfused to individuals with any blood type, making it the universal donor. Additionally, blood type O is the most ancient blood type, dating back thousands of years, which may contribute to its prevalence in the population.

The given answer accurately defines forensic anthropology as the application of physical anthropology and human osteology in a forensic context. This field involves the examination and analysis of human remains to determine factors such as cause of death, age, sex, and ancestry. Forensic anthropologists use their knowledge of skeletal biology and anatomy to assist in criminal investigations and legal proceedings.

The three layers of the shaft are the medulla, cortex, and cuticle. The medulla is the innermost layer of the hair shaft, consisting of soft keratinized cells. The cortex is the middle layer, providing strength, elasticity, and color to the hair. The cuticle is the outermost layer, consisting of overlapping scales that protect the hair shaft and give it a smooth appearance. These three layers work together to maintain the structure and integrity of the hair shaft.

Dead reckoning refers to a technique used in blood splatter analysis. It involves estimating the position and movement of a blood source based on the shape, size, and direction of the bloodstains. This technique is commonly used in forensic investigations to determine the origin and trajectory of blood spatter patterns at crime scenes, which can provide valuable information about the events that took place.