College
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
Date of Last Revision
2026-04-28 12:34:39
Major
Biomedical Science
Honors Course
Senior Honors Project in Biology
Number of Credits
2
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2026
Abstract
Morphological variation on the clavicle, specifically the rhomboid fossa, may be impacted by age, sex, laterality, and mechanical stress. Occupational stress and loading conditions lead to bone remodeling and adaptation to change, altering the costoclavicular ligament site. A sample of 94 bilateral clavicles from individuals ages 16-40 years was analyzed using computer tomography (CT) and 3-dimensional reconstruction. Clavicles were categorized into five groups: flat, smooth, elevated, depressed, and pitted. Chi-squared analyses were used to test associations between morphology and age, side, and history of strenuous lifting. Significant differences were observed between class and sex for the leftsided clavicle group. Female samples in the left-sided group exhibited flatter rhomboid fossae, while male samples had a mix of elevated and depressed rhomboid fossae. These findings may contribute to improved methods of sex estimation in unidentified skeletal remains and support further advancements in orthopedic medicine, evolutionary biology, and forensic anthropology.
Research Sponsor
Dr. Rachel Olson
First Reader
Moriah Wood
Second Reader
Dr. Jordan Renna
Honors Faculty Advisor
Dr. Brian Bagatto
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Community Engaged Scholarship
No
Recommended Citation
Tucker, Michaela and Hall, Skylar, "Morphological Variation of the Clavicular Rhomboid Fossa: Bilateral Asymmetry, Sexual Dimorphism, and Environmental Influences" (2026). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 2141.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/2141
Included in
Body Regions Commons, Cells Commons, Musculoskeletal System Commons