Morphology and morphometric analysis of bones of the forelimb of giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)

Abstract

We studied the bones of forelimb of male giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) to record the gross anatomical and morphometrical features of the scapula, humerus, radius and ulna. We observed some unique anatomical features that will be helpful for radiographic interpretation and forensic investigations. For this purpose all the bones of thoracic limb were collected timely from the burial ground, identified by their morphological features and finally measured after processing with chemicals. The scapula was a triangular flat bone and the lateral surface of scapula was unequally divided into supraspinous (fossa supraspinata) and infraspinous fossa (fossa infraspinata) by a welldeveloped spine (spina scapulae). The humerus was a major and massive bone in the appendicular skeleton to bear the total body weight. The average length of humerus was 56.17 cm that run from the shoulder to the elbow. It possessed a cylindrical diaphysis which was somewhat compressed laterally and two enlarged epiphysis namely-proximal epiphysis and distal epiphysis. The humeral head (coput humeri) was long and strongly curved cranio-caudally; while the distal end had condyles (condylus) and epicondyles (epicondylud laterialis). The radius and ulna were twin bones where radius was articulated craniolateral to the ulna proximally and craniomedial to the ulna distally. However, the ulna was the longest bone in the forelimb of giraffe. These bones were entirely fused in giraffe except two places namely- proximal and distal interosseous spaces.