In forensic age estimation, fusion of the medial clavicular epiphysis (sternal end) occurs last among long bone epiphyses. This fusion is completed at which age range, making it valuable for differentiating legal age boundaries?

• A 18–20 years
• B 21–23 years
• C 16–18 years
• D 25–30 years ✓

Explanation

The medial (sternal) end of the clavicle is the last epiphysis to fuse in the human body, completing fusion between 25–30 years of age (with onset at approximately 22–25 years). This makes it the most useful skeletal landmark for determining whether an individual is above or below 25 years in forensic contexts. Fusion of the iliac crest and femoral head epiphyses is typically complete by 18–20 years. The lateral end of the clavicle fuses earlier (19–21 years) than the medial end.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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