Chapter 1, Problem 2.1A

Describe your observations of a possible correlation between the humerus or femur length and height.

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

The possible correlation between the length and height of the humerus or femur.

Introduction:

The humerus and femur are the two important bones of the forelimb and hindlimb. The humerus is the largest bone of the upper extremity. It helps in defining the human brachium or arm. It is present between or attached to the glenoid and radius and ulna of the forearm. The femur is also called the thigh bone. It is the longest bone of the body. It resides between the hip and the knee.

Explanation of Solution

The combination of bones can determine the estimated height of the person. The long bone of the arm and leg are most commonly used. It helps in establishing the relationship between the stature and dimension of the various part of the body. The bone length and regression formula estimate the total height of the person. The length of the bone means the distance between the two ends of the bone.

The regression formula is

  $0.05566\left(\text{femur length }+\text{ tibia length}\right)+21.64=\text{estimated stature }+/-2.5$

The estimated height of an individual is obtained in centimeters. From this formula, it is noted that the length of the femur is four times the height of the person. Therefore, the taller the person, the longer will be their bone.