Gross anatomical features and osteometric variables of the scapula of the african tree squirrel (Funisciurus anerythrus), house (Rattus Rattus) and wistar rats

Abstract

This study comparatively investigated gross features and osteometric variables in scapula of three rodents: tree squirrel (Funisciurus anerythrus ),  house (Rattus Rattus ) and Wistar rats. A total of thirty three animals (11 per rodent species) were used for the study. The rodents were  anaesthetized using ketamine and xylazine combination (80 mg/kg: 10 mg/kg body weight), sacrificed and processed for scapular bone extraction by burying method. Grossly, the scapular bones are flattened in all the rodents and have various shapes; semicircular in squirrel and roughly  triangular in both Rattus rattus and Wistar rats. The scapula of the squirrel bears a hook-like acromion process and a distinct subscapular spine. Osteometric variables; scapular width and length of scapular neck are significantly reduced (p<0.05) in the squirrel relative to other rodents. While the length of glenoid and diameter of infra spinatous fossa in Rattus rattus as well as the scapular spine length in squirrel respectively show marked increase when compared to other rodents.

Keywords: Funisciurus anerythrus, Rattus rattus , Wistar, scapula, morphology, osteometry, comparative