What is the primary focus of forensic anthropology?

The primary focus of forensic anthropology is indeed the use of skeletal anatomy to identify remains for legal purposes. This field involves applying principles of biological anthropology and osteology to help law enforcement agencies in cases where human remains are discovered. Forensic anthropologists analyze skeletal remains to determine key information such as age, sex, ancestry, and stature of deceased individuals, which can be critical in the investigation of crimes or unidentified bodies.

Understanding skeletal features allows forensic anthropologists to provide valuable insight about the individual and contribute to the legal process, whether by aiding in the identification of victims of crime or mass disasters, or by helping to build a case against a suspect. This expertise is distinct from studies that focus on living tissues, injury evidence in soft tissues, or muscle anatomy, as those areas do not specifically pertain to the identification of human remains in a forensic context.