Document Type : Original Article
Authors
- amir raoofi 1
- Auob Rustamzadeh 2
- Seyyed Mohammad Bahreini 3
- Enam Alhagh Gorgich 4
- mohammad hosseinzadehhesari 5
1 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
2 3Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
3 Department of Law, QaS.C., Islamic Azad University, Qaemshahr, Iran.
4 Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran.
5 non communicable diseases research center, Department of Operating Room, School of paramedical , Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences,sabzevar, IRAN
Abstract
Introduction: Ancient human remains are among the most valuable nonrenewable sources for reconstructing the biological, cultural, and social history of humanity. Although traditional invasive methods have provided important scientific information, they may cause irreversible damage to historical materials and raise legal and ethical concerns. Advances in noninvasive medical imaging technologies, including radiography, CT, micro-CT, and MRI, have significantly transformed archaeological, forensic, and cultural heritage studies. Methods: This systematic review was conducted using scientific databases including Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and SID. Relevant studies were identified using keywords related to human remains, cultural heritage, medical imaging, legal regulations, and destructive analysis. Results: Findings demonstrated that noninvasive imaging techniques minimize physical damage caused by excavation and sampling while enabling detailed examination of internal structures, analysis of hard and soft tissue pathology, and differentiation between antemortem trauma and postmortem alterations associated with preservation processes. CT imaging also plays a major role in authenticity assessment, dating, and scientific restoration of historical objects without physical destruction. Conclusion: Noninvasive imaging represents not only a technical innovation but also an ethical and strategic approach for balancing scientific advancement, cultural heritage preservation, and respect for human dignity. The sustainable application of these technologies requires comprehensive interdisciplinary legal and ethical frameworks.
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