Skeletal Element Codes
Click on areas of the skeleton to see photos of associated bones
SKULL:
TFR - unidentified tooth fragment
APPENDICULAR - FORELIMB:
CP - unident. carpal (don't use this code unless you have a very fragmented carpal that really isn't identifiable)
MCF - fifth metacarpal
APPENDICULAR - HINDLIMB:
PT - patella
LTM - lateral malleolus
TRC- fused central & 4th tarsal
MTS - second metatarsal
MT - metatarsal
APPENDICULAR - OTHER:
MP - unidentified metapodial
PH - unidentified phalanx
SE - unidentified sesamoid
AXIAL:
CE - unidentified cervical
CE3-7 - specific cervical vertebra
TH1-TH14 - specific thoracic vertebra
LM1-5 - specific lumbar vertebra
SN - unidentified sternal element
VT - unidentified vertebra
FRAGMENTS:
LB - unidentified long bone fragment
FB - unidentified flat bone fragment
CB - unidentified cancellous fragment
US - totally unidentified fragment
TFR - tooth fragment/unidentified tooth
These element codes are designed primarily for bison assemblages and may need to be modified somewhat for other species For elements such as ribs or vertebrae, give as much specific information as possible (e.g., if it’s a first rib use RB1 code, if a 14th thoracic, use the TH14 code, etc.
