Interpretation of Epiphyseal Line Observation on Femur

    Interpretation of Epiphyseal Line Observation on Femur The presence of a solid line with no white illumination between the epiphysis and diaphysis of the femur indicates that the individual to whom these remains belong is Mature, not growing longitudinally. The solid line is indicative of the fusion of the growth plate, known as the epiphyseal line, which occurs as bone growth ceases in adulthood. As discussed in "Human Osteology" by Tim D. White and Pieter A. Folkens, the epiphyseal line, also referred to as the epiphyseal closure or fusion, is a visible marker of the end of longitudinal bone growth. This process typically occurs during the late teens or early twenties when skeletal maturity is reached, leading to the closure of the growth plate and the formation of a solid line on x-rays. Moreover, "Forensic Anthropology: Current Methods and Practice" by Angi M. Christensen and Nicholas V. Passalacqua further supports this interpretation by explaining that the presence of a visible epiphyseal line without white illumination signifies that the individual has completed their longitudinal growth and reached skeletal maturity. In summary, based on the observation of a solid line between the epiphysis and diaphysis on the femur, indicating the fusion of the growth plate and cessation of longitudinal bone growth, it can be concluded that the individual to whom these remains belong is mature and no longer growing longitudinally.  

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