Plantaris tendon morphology in Papio anubis: a comparative anatomical study

Area of Science:

• Comparative anatomy
• Primate morphology
• Human anatomy

Background:

• The plantaris muscle exhibits significant variability in humans.
• Data on plantaris tendon morphology in non-human primates is scarce.
• Understanding primate tendon variations aids evolutionary and functional studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and classify plantaris tendon morphology in Anubis baboons (Papio anubis).
• To establish a comparative anatomical baseline for primate plantaris tendon research.
• To compare baboon plantaris tendon morphology with human variations.

Main Methods:

• Standardized dissection and morphometry of 46 Anubis baboon lower limbs.
• Application of a human-derived classification system for tendon insertion.
• Statistical analysis of morphological differences between identified tendon types.

Main Results:

• A plantaris muscle was present in all 46 baboon specimens.
• Tendon morphology was limited to two configurations: Type II (band-like) and Type V (sheet-like).
• Type II occurred in 73.9% and Type V in 26.1% of limbs, with significant differences in width, thickness, and insertion point.

Conclusions:

• Anubis baboon plantaris tendon morphology demonstrates restricted variation compared to humans.
• The findings establish a preliminary comparative anatomical baseline for primate studies.
• Further research with broader sampling is needed for evolutionary and species-wide interpretations.