Why Is It Possible to Assess Age at Death from Tooth

question 4

Multiple Choice

Why is it possible to assess age at death from tooth eruption patterns in juvenile human skeletons?

• A) Because the pattern and timing of crown formation and tooth eruption is consistent among human populations.
• B) Because although the timing of crown formation and tooth eruption varies among human populations, it varies at known rates.
• C) It is only possible if the sex of the individual is also known, because tooth eruption patterns differ between males and females.
• D) None of the answers are correct.

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Definitions:

Proctoplasty

Surgical reconstruction of the rectum, often to repair damage or correct malformations.

Laparotomy

A surgical procedure involving a large incision in the abdomen to gain access to the abdominal cavity for diagnosis or treatment.

Choledochotomy

a surgical incision into the common bile duct, typically to remove gallstones.

Gastrectomy

A surgical procedure for the partial or total removal of the stomach.