Metacarpal
Elements where the proximal and/or distal epiphyses are un-fused and not with the specimen are coded as though the epiphyses are missing.
Elements where the proximal or distal epiphyses are un-fused but are present during coding, the un-fused epiphyses are grouped together for coding and cataloguing and are not counted as separated pieces.
For an un-fused epiphysis unassociated with the rest of the element it is assigned an appropriate BU number.
For the Fincastle Project, Bone Units 14, 15, and 16 were added, BU 5 was also defined.
BU 1
SC A
Complete element.
BU 3
SC B
Complete proximal end with between 1/4 – 2/3 of total shaft length represented.
BU 2
SC C
Complete proximal end of metacarpal with approximately 0 - 1/4 of total shaft length represented.
BU 4
SC D
One or more pieces from shattered proximal end of metacarpal (shattered BU 2 or BU 3). Frequency indicates minimum number of elements represented by pieces. For Oldman project, frequency indicates number of pieces only.
BU 5
SC E
Complete juvenile, but missing the distal epiphysis. (SB)
BU 8
SC F
Complete distal end of metacarpal with over 1/2 – 3/4 of adjoining shaft represented.
BU 7
SC G
Complete distal end of metacarpal with 1/4 – 1/2 of adjoining shaft represented. Note: See comment under BU 6.
BU 6
SC H
Complete distal end of metacarpal with 0 - 1/4 of adjoining shaft represented. Note: Many distal ends from either metacarpals or metatarsals analyzed as separate element under metapodial fragments.
BU 13
SC I
One of either distal condyles and from 0 - 1/4 of adjoining shaft. (WU)
BU 12
SC J
Fragment of shaft including all or most of nutrient foramen on distal posterior surface. BU not visible in drawing. (WU)
BU 11
SC K
Anterior half, distal end 0 - 1/4 of shaft represented. Identifiable on basis of characteristic form of vascular groove. Anterior half of BU 7. (TH)
BU 9
SC L
One or more small fragmentary segments of shaft identifiable as to element by cross sectional configuration, or presence of vascular groove. Individual fragments do not form complete “tube” cross section of bone. Frequency indicates number of pieces represented.
BU 10
SC M
Not a butchering unit. Frequency indicates minimum number of elements represented by BU 9. Not coded for Oldman project.
BU 14
SC N
Laterally split, leaving either the ventral or dorsal face of the bone. (SB)
BU 15
SC O
Medial or lateral portion of the proximal end. (SB)
BU 16
SC P
Distal epiphysis only (juvenile). (SB)