Identification: human versus animal bone: practice question

A Forensic Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Forensic Medicine · Identification: human versus animal bone

Sample item

A bone fragment found at a site is to be tested to see whether it is of human origin. Which microscopic feature of a ground section favours human bone?

ALaminar bone without any osteonsBHaversian canals of very small calibreCPlexiform laminar bone with a brick-like patternDHaversian canals of larger diameter with irregularly arranged osteons

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Haversian canals of larger diameter with irregularly arranged osteons

Human cortical bone has relatively large Haversian canals and osteons in an irregular arrangement, while large animals such as cattle show plexiform bone and the smaller ones have finer canals. Precipitin testing of bone protein gives species confirmation.

Option by option

A. Laminar bone without any osteons
Human cortical bone contains osteons, so purely laminar bone without them argues against human origin.
B. Haversian canals of very small calibre
Very small canals are typical of small animals.
C. Plexiform laminar bone with a brick-like pattern
Plexiform laminar bone is typical of large animals such as cattle.
D. Haversian canals of larger diameter with irregularly arranged osteons (correct)
Correct. Larger Haversian canals with irregular osteons favour human bone.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Forensic Medicine question

What is the answer to this Forensic Medicine question?

The best answer is D, Haversian canals of larger diameter with irregularly arranged osteons. Human cortical bone has relatively large Haversian canals and osteons in an irregular arrangement, while large animals such as cattle show plexiform bone and the smaller ones have finer canals.

Why is "Laminar bone without any osteons" not the answer?

Human cortical bone contains osteons, so purely laminar bone without them argues against human origin.

Why is "Haversian canals of very small calibre" not the answer?

Very small canals are typical of small animals.

Why is "Plexiform laminar bone with a brick-like pattern" not the answer?

Plexiform laminar bone is typical of large animals such as cattle.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Identification: human versus animal bone in Forensic Medicine. Precipitin testing of bone protein gives species confirmation.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Identification: human versus animal bone?

Learn postmortem changes with their timelines, and toxicology as poison, sign, test and antidote. Then use the flashcards and the other Forensic Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.