Abstract

NAVARRO, Tamara G. et al. Protocol for thin section preparation of non decalcified human bone tissue. Rev. Mus. Antropol. [online]. 2018, vol.11, n.1, pp.121-126. ISSN 1852-060X.

Abstract Making thin sections from fossil and archaeological materials is usually a highly time consuming and expensive task. Also, the creation of a laboratory with necessary characteristics for the development of established protocols is also expensive. This paper presents an alternative protocol for obtaining thin sections of human bone samples from archaeological sites with the aim of applying it to microstructural analysis. The procedures for obtaining thin cuts that are detailed here are within the reach of newly formed laboratories. In the first place a femur, a tibia and a first rib n adult individual from a contemporary cemetery was measured and recorded with digital images. Fragments of 1 cm of bone were them extracted. Molds and casts of the extracted samples were prepared before thin section preparation. The obtained results were optimal for the observation of the microstructural bone features. With the appropriate modifications (set time, abrasive grading according to the hardness of the material, impregnation, etc.) this protocol could be useful for several kinds of samples (extant, archaeological and even fossil ones). 

Keywords : Protocol; Thin section; Human bone remains; Histology.

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