Microscopic investigation in fossil hominoidea: A clue to taxonomy, functional anatomy, and the history of diseases

Abstract

Ten selected samples of fossilized bones (including Australopithecus, Homo erectus, Homo neandertalensis, and Homo sapiens sapiens) were examined by light microscopy using plane and polarized light. The histomorphological findings show that microscopic research adds much to what can be ascertained by macroscopic examination or by X-ray techniques. In particular, emphasis was placed on taxonomy, functional anatomy of bones, and causes of some of the diseases of early hominids.