What Is the Study of Bones Called?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 25, 2020

According to the Museum of Osteology, the study of bones is called osteology, which is practiced by doctors and researchers called osteologists. Osteology is a complex science that uses information and data from anatomy, archaeology and anthropology.

Osteology studies all physical aspects of bones, including skeletal structure, ossification, bone disease and pathology, bone hardness, morphology, muscular structure, and function. Most osteologists study existing bones and skeletal remains and then publish their findings to be used in a practical context within the medical community. Findings from osteological studies are often used to understand more about ancient sociocultural groups through anthropological applications.