The ultrastructure of Mississippian and Archaic Indian bones from various soil and drainage conditions

Indian bones from Mississippian and Archaic periods were examined by the techniques of electron microscopy and electron diffraction. Specimens of all ages containing intact mineral constituents showed numerous areas in which the apatite crystals exhibited typical periodic banding as seen in hard tis...

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Veröffentlicht in:American journal of physical anthropology 1966-11, Vol.25 (3), p.291-297
1. Verfasser: Shackleford, John M.
Format: Artikel
Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:Indian bones from Mississippian and Archaic periods were examined by the techniques of electron microscopy and electron diffraction. Specimens of all ages containing intact mineral constituents showed numerous areas in which the apatite crystals exhibited typical periodic banding as seen in hard tissues of recent age. Diffraction patterns from the same areas verified the morphological appearance. Phosphotungstic acid stained, decalcified sections exhibited collagen fibrils with typical periodic banding regardless of age or soil conditions. In specimens of Archiac age there were a greater number of “poorly preserved” areas as compared with bones from Mississipian excavations. In these areas the collagen appeared to be degraded and the apatite crystals were randomly oriented. No attempt to quantitate the age changes was made in view of the inherent limitations of the method of investigation.
ISSN:0002-9483
1096-8644
DOI:10.1002/ajpa.1330250308