COMPARATIVE MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF HUMAN (HOMO SAPIENS) AND DOMESTIC GOAT (CAPRA HIRCUS) SCAPULAE

ABSTRACT The scapula is a key component of the mammalian pectoral girdle, and its morphology reflects adaptations to speciesspecific locomotor and functional demands. This study compared the morphology and morphometry of the scapula in humans (Homo sapiens) and domestic goats (Capra hircus), representing bipedal and quadrupedal locomotor strategies, respectively. Ten adult scapulae (five human and five goats) were ethically sourced and examined. Morphological characteristics were assessed from the anterior, posterior, and medial aspects, while morphometric parameters, including spine length, acromion dimensions, glenoid fossa radius, and coracoid process dimensions, were measured using digital calipers. Quantitative data were analysed using independent sample t-tests and expressed as mean ± SEM. Marked morphological and morphometric differences were observed between the two species. The human scapula exhibited a welldeveloped acromion process (length: 5.0 ± 0.18 cm; width: 4.5 ± 0.30 cm) and a prominent coracoid process (length: 4.3 ± 0.15 cm), whereas the goat scapula displayed a reduced acromion, a rudimentary coracoid process associated with the supraglenoid tubercle complex, a distinct scapular neck, and a relatively deeper glenoid cavity. A suprascapular notch was observed in humans but not in the goat specimens examined. These findings suggest that human scapular morphology is associated with increased upper-limb mobility, whereas the goat scapula exhibits features consistent with stability and weight-bearing function during quadrupedal locomotion, highlighting the influence of locomotor adaptation on scapular structure.