Human Long Tubular Bone Retains Primary Lamellar Bone Formed During Growth: Measurement of Anthropogenic Radiocarbon in Bone Cross-Sections

Abstract

In general, bones have isotope ratios with average seasonal variations due to constant metabolism. However, “primary lamellar bone,” which is in some long bones, does not metabolize after formation and retains its tissue at the time of formation. If this tissue forms in adults, it would provide a novel source of information for reconstructing personal histories. It would allow discussion of temporal changes in diet and seasonal migration in past human populations.In this study, radiocarbon (14C) measurements were made on two human bone samples affected by nuclear testing to determine the period of primary lamellar bone formation. Samples were analyzed serially at 100-360 µm intervals over the direction of bone growth. The 14C concentrations decreased in the direction of bone growth. The primary lamellar bone was analyzed continuously during the growth period at around 12-16 years of age. The availability of time-series information on teenage growth from the primary lamellar bone can be applied to life history reconstruction in anthropology and birth year estimation in forensic science. It is important to note that long bones may retain information decades older than the time of death.

Keywords: Primary lamellar bone, Bone collagen, Bone metabolism, Anthropogenic radiocarbon, Human bone