ADEQUACY AND STUDY OF SKELETAL REMAINS IN FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY

Abstract

Having demonstrated the importance of forensic anthropology in the positive identification of human skeletal remains, we consider it relevant to learn a basic management of the techniques by the students of the Medical Degree, in the context of the subject "Legal Medicine and Ethics". The main objective was to apply theoretical and technical knowledge on physical and forensic anthropology to identify real cases through group work dynamics, concluding with justified decision making. Sixteen 2-hour workshops were organized for groups of 8 students, using skeletal remains of 4 individuals mixed with animal bones. After the human remains were identified, the four skeletons were isolated and an inventory of the available bones was made. The basic biological profile of each of them was analyzed: sex, age and height. These data were entered in a protocol form, which they delivered at the end of the practice. Subsequently, they conducted an anonymous questionnaire of 10 items about the degree of satisfaction on contents, methodology, and utility in their training. With a response rate of 78.4% (n = 125), the highest mean scores were given to items related to: teacher and subject (χ 4,98; Dt. 0.14), expository clarity (χ 4, 94, Dt. 0.24) and adequacy of methodology (χ 4,92, Dt. 0,28). In addition to the favorable results obtained, it was objectified through the protocolized forms, the adequate resolution of real practical cases, based on a joint decision making and justified on the theoretical contents learned.