What is an Ossification test?

An ossification test is a medical procedure that analyses bones in order to determine age.

About Ossification test: 

  • An ossification test is a medical procedure that analyses bones in order to determine age.
  • This test involves taking x-rays of certain bones in the body, such as the clavicle, sternum, and pelvis, to determine the degree of growth in our bones.
  • Because certain bones harden and fuse with each other at certain ages according to a human’s developmental stage, the bones can be a way of marking age.
  • These bones are chosen because they tend to undergo the most dramatic changes in their form as a person ages.
    • Example: The clavicle, for instance, is a long bone connecting the shoulder blade to the sternum. It undergoes a gradual fusion of growth plates as a person matures.
  • In children and adolescents, ossification reflects the progression of bone development, with certain bones hardening at specific ages.
  • Application of Ossification test
    • This test is commonly used in forensic science and legal contexts to accurately determine an individual’s age when needed.
    • It is also used in some medical settings, such as to assess skeletal maturity in children with growth disorders.

Q1: What is Bone Resorption?

Bone resorption is the process by which the bones are absorbed and broken down by the body. Osteoclast cells are responsible for the breakdown of bone minerals thus releasing calcium and phosphorus into the bloodstream.

Source: What is ossification test, which one of Baba Siddique murder accused underwent

Latest UPSC Exam 2026 Updates

Last updated on January, 2026

→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s Interview Guidance Programme for expert help to crack your final UPSC stage.

UPSC Mains Result 2025 is now out.

UPSC Notification 2026 is scheduled to be released on January 14, 2026.

UPSC Calendar 2026 has been released.

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.

→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.

→ Prepare effectively with Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Prelims Test Series 2026 featuring full-length mock tests, detailed solutions, and performance analysis.

→ Enroll in Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mains Test Series 2026 for structured answer writing practice, expert evaluation, and exam-oriented feedback.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s Best UPSC Mentorship Program for personalized guidance, strategy planning, and one-to-one support from experienced mentors.

UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!

UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.

→ Also check Best UPSC Coaching in India

Vajiram Content Team
Vajiram Content Team
UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,75,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹85000
Enroll Now
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
₹19000
Enroll Now
Prelims Powerup Test Series
Prelims Powerup Test Series
₹8500
Enroll Now
Enquire Now