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Cortical histomorphometry of the human humerus during ontogeny

Pitfield, Rosie, Miszkiewicz, Justyna J., Mahoney, Patrick (2017) Cortical histomorphometry of the human humerus during ontogeny. Calcified Tissue International, 101 (2). pp. 148-158. ISSN 0171-967X. (doi:10.1007/s00223-017-0268-1) (KAR id:60898)

Abstract

Modeling and remodeling are two key determinants of human skeletal growth though little is known about the histomorphometry of cortical bone during ontogeny. In this study we examined the density and geometric properties of primary and secondary osteons (osteon area and diameter, vascular canal area and diameter) in sub-periosteal cortical bone from the human humerus (n=84) between birth and age 18 years. Sections were removed from the anterior midshaft aspect of humeri from skeletons. Age-at-death was reconstructed using standard osteological techniques. Analyses revealed significant correlation between the histomorphometric variables and age. Higher densities of primary osteons occurred between infancy and seven years of age but were almost completely replaced by secondary osteons after 14 years of age. The geometry of primary osteons was less clearly related to age. Secondary osteons were visible after two years of age, and reached their greatest densities in the oldest individuals. Osteon size was positively but weakly influenced by age. Our data implies that modeling and remodeling are age dependent processes that vary markedly from birth to adulthood in the human humerus.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1007/s00223-017-0268-1
Uncontrolled keywords: Primary osteon; secondary osteon; modeling; remodeling; humerus, cortex
Subjects: H Social Sciences
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation
Depositing User: Patrick Mahoney
Date Deposited: 13 Mar 2017 18:30 UTC
Last Modified: 09 Dec 2022 03:59 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/60898 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Pitfield, Rosie.

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Miszkiewicz, Justyna J..

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Mahoney, Patrick.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2715-3096
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