Interpretation of Coccygeal Bone Observation

  Interpretation of Coccygeal Bone Observation The observation that the coccygeal bone(s) are straight and do not curve inward towards the pelvis suggests that the remains likely belong to a Male individual. The straight configuration of the coccyx is a characteristic more commonly found in males than in females. As outlined in "Human Osteology" by Tim D. White and Pieter A. Folkens, the coccyx, or tailbone, exhibits variations in shape and curvature between males and females. In general, the coccyx in males tends to be straighter or less curved compared to females, where it may curve more sharply anteriorly due to differences in pelvic anatomy. Furthermore, "Forensic Anthropology: Current Methods and Practice" by Angi M. Christensen and Nicholas V. Passalacqua explain that the observation of a straight coccyx that does not curve inward towards the pelvis is more consistent with male skeletal characteristics, reflecting the typical morphology found in male individuals. In conclusion, based on the straight configuration of the coccygeal bone(s) without curving towards the pelvis in the examined remains, it is reasonable to hypothesize that the individual to whom these remains belong is likely a male. This observation aligns with established patterns of sexual dimorphism in skeletal anatomy, particularly in relation to the coccyx morphology between males and females.    

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