Epigenetic variations and pathologic changes in the cervical vertebrae of the protoneolithic population in Panonia
Hoshovski, E.
Srpski Arhiv Za Celokupno Lekarstvo 124(1-2): 6-10
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0370-8179 PMID: 9102815 Document Number: 469248
Epigenetic variations and pathological alterations of cervical vertebrae in adult individuals inhumated in the Lepenski Vir and Vlasac protoneolithic settlements (c. 7000-5500 years B.C.) are described in the article. These findings were observed in 13 paleopathologic examined skeletons. Degenerative changes, growth alterations and congenital anomalies were noted by a detailed analysis of the vertebrae. Unilateral and bilateral epigenetic variations of foramen transversarium were found in 10 (or 76%) skeletons, and this variance frequency was of particular importance. Variations were classified as follows: (1)-Foramen transversarium duplex; (2)-Foramen transversarium accessorius; (3)-Tuberositas intra foraminis transversarium; (4)-Important diversity of diameters between the left and the right foramen, and (5)-Ribs of vertebra cervicalis VII. The frequent appearance of foramen transversarium epigenetic variations in examined skeletons the author attributes to the process of micro-evolution (gracilization and Mediterranean antropological race forming) already found in this protoneolithic population.