Journal article
Neural-Tube Defects in a Prehistoric Southwestern Indian Population
Annals of Human Biology, Vol.8(1), pp.65-75
01/01/1981
DOI: 10.1080/03014468100004801
Abstract
Concern with the frequency and patterning of the occurrence of midline neural-tube defects among contemporary human populations is widespread. These defects are, however, quite old and occur in unusually high numbers of prehistoric skeletons. A common explanation offered for such high incidence has been inbreeding among small, reproductively isolated populations. In a sample of 54 skeletons from the prehistoric south-western Indian site of Tijeras Pueblo in New Mexico, failure of neural-tube closure occurs in 10% of sacra recovered. While a more homogeneous genetic background and inbreeding may account for a portion of this elevated prevalence, the cause appears to lie with cultural-environmental factors. It is suggested that the aetiology of these conditions has become more complex in recent human history. © 1981 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Neural-Tube Defects in a Prehistoric Southwestern Indian Population
- Creators
- Eric J. Devor - University of IowaL. S. Cordell
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Annals of Human Biology, Vol.8(1), pp.65-75
- DOI
- 10.1080/03014468100004801
- NLM abbreviation
- Ann Hum Biol
- ISSN
- 0301-4460
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/01/1981
- Academic Unit
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Record Identifier
- 9983557561602771
Metrics
28 Record Views