What’s the Plural of Scapula? Is it Scapulas or Scapulae?

When discussing anatomy, we often come across terms that have Latin origins. One such word is scapula, which refers to the shoulder blade. But what happens when you need to use the plural form? Should you say scapulas or scapulae? First of all uunderstanding the pluralization of Latin-derived words in English can be tricky, especially when there are two seemingly acceptable options.

In this article, we will dive deeply into the origins of the word scapula, the rules for pluralizing Latin words, and the contexts in which you should use either scapulas or scapulae. Along the way, we’ll provide plenty of examples, explanations, and even comparisons to the other words with similar endings like formula.

What is a Scapula?

The word scapula refers to the shoulder blade, the large flat bone that connects the upper arm bone (the humerus) with the collarbone (the clavicle). This triangular-shaped bone plays a very crucial role in the function of the shoulder joint, allowing for a wide range of motion and support in the arms and shoulders. The scapula is part of the pectoral girdle and works in concert with other muscles and bones to stabilize the shoulder.

Anatomy of the Scapula

The scapula is a complex bone have a several key features:

• Spine: A prominent ridge that runs along the back of the scapula.
• Acromion: The tip of the spine, which forms the highest point of the shoulder.
• Glenoid cavity: The socket that connects to the humerus, forming the shoulder joint.
• Coracoid process: A hook-like projection that serves as a point of attachment for muscles.

While most people are familiar with the basic anatomy of  scapula, many are unaware of its Latin roots and the grammar rules that govern its pluralization. So let’s dive into the origins of the word and why the plural of scapula can be a little bit confusing.

Origins of the Word “Scapula”

The word scapula has Latin origins. In classical Latin, scapulae refers to the shoulders or shoulder blades. The singular form, scapula, was used to denote a single shoulder blade, while scapulae was the plural form for both shoulder blades. As Latin evolved into English, many words—including anatomical terms—kept their Latin-based plural forms.

The use of Latin in medical terminology has long been the standard, which is why you’ll often hear doctors, surgeons, and medical textbooks refer to the scapula plural as scapulae. However, in more casual or everyday English, you may encounter the simplified plural form scapulas.

This difference in pluralization brings us to a broader discussion of how Latin words, particularly those ending in -la, are pluralized in English.

Read more : What is The Plural of Fox? Clearing Up the Confusion

Pluralization Rules for Latin Words Ending with “-la”

Latin words that end in -la often follow a specific pattern when forming their plural versions. In classical Latin, the suffix -la changes to -lae when pluralized. This pattern has carried over into English, particularly in academic or scientific contexts where the Latin influence remains strong.

Here’s a breakdown of the rules:

From “-la” to “-lae”

In Latin, words ending in -la often form their plural by changing the -la to -lae. This rule is most commonly seen in anatomical and scientific terms, and scapula is no exception.

• Singular: Scapula
• Plural: Scapulae

This rule applies to other Latin-derived words in anatomy and biology as well, like.

• Vertebra → Vertebrae
• Fossa → Fossae
• Fibula → Fibulae

In the medical field, you’ll almost always see the plural form scapulae used, as it maintains the word’s Latin integrity. In formal writing and textbooks, this form is preferred because it follows the traditional Latin pluralization rule.

From “-la” to “-las”

However, as Latin-based words have been adopted into everyday English, some have developed simpler, anglicized plural forms. For words ending in -la, this often involves adding an -s to the end of the word, following standard English pluralization rules.

• Singular: Scapula
• Plural: Scapulas

This anglicized version is more commonly used in non-scientific writing or casual conversation. You might hear someone say “scapulas” in everyday speech, especially when they’re not in a medical or academic setting. It’s a more accessible, less formal plural form that still conveys the correct meaning without relying on Latin grammar rules.

Exceptions to These Pluralization Rules

While the rules for Latin pluralization are generally straightforward, there are always exceptions. Not all words that end in -la follow the -lae or -las pattern. Some Latin-derived words form their plurals in completely unexpected ways, either by maintaining the same form in both singular and plural, or by adopting irregular pluralizations.

Singular and Plural Are the Same

Some nouns have identical singular and plural forms, making them exceptions to the usual pluralization rules. This is common in English with words such as sheep or species, but it’s very rarer with Latin-derived terms.

Although scapula does not fall into this category, it’s worth mentioning that some anatomical terms do. However, scapula requires a distinct plural form, either scapulae or scapulas.

Irregular Plural Forms

Irregular plurals are another notable exception. For example, consider the word stigma. In its plural form, it becomes stigmata, following a pattern that doesn’t align with the -la or -las rules.

Here’s a table comparing regular and irregular plurals:

Singular	Regular Plural	Irregular Plural
Scapula	Scapulas	Scapulae
Formula	Formulas	Formulae
Stigma	Stigmas	Stigmata
Schema	Schemas	Schemata

Irregular plurals, such as schemata and stigmata, highlight the complexity of pluralization, especially with Latin roots.

Words with English Plurals

As English has evolved, many Latin words have taken on simpler, more familiar plural forms. This adaptation has made the language more accessible to a wider audience, but it has also created some confusion around which plural form is “correct.”

For instance, the plural form for formula can be either formulas or formulae, depending on the context. Similarly, scapulas is an accepted plural form of scapula in daily language, while scapulae is often reserved for formal or scientific usage.

The same flexibility applies to other Latin-derived words. Here are a few examples:

• Capsula → Capsulas/Capsulae
• Fibula → Fibulas/Fibulae
• Vertebra → Vertebras/Vertebrae

In general, if you’re writing in a formal or academic context, it’s best to use the Latin plural form. But if you’re writing for a general audience, the anglicized plural form is usually sufficient.

Words Ending in “-ula”: Their Plurals

Another important group of words that follow similar pluralization rules are those ending in -ula. Many of these words are also of Latin origin and are commonly used in scientific, medical, or academic contexts. Like scapula, these words often have two acceptable plural forms.

Learn more about : What’s the Plural of Foreman? Is it Foremen or Foremans?

Common Examples of Words Ending in “-ula” and Their Plurals

Singular	Plural (Latin)	Plural (Anglicized)
Scapula	Scapulae	Scapulas
Fibula	Fibulae	Fibulas
Capsula	Capsulae	Capsulas
Reticula	Reticulae	Reticulas
Fistula	Fistulae	Fistulas

Understanding these plural forms can help you determine which version to use in different contexts, especially if you encounter these terms in medical literature or everyday speech.

Plural of Scapula: Scapulas vs. Scapulae

So, when you’re faced with the question, “What’s the plural of scapula?” the answer depends on the context in which you’re using the word. Both scapulas and scapulae are grammatically correct, but the usage of each form can differ based on the setting.

Scapulae: The Classical, Formal Choice

If you’re writing a medical paper, working in a healthcare setting, or communicating in any other formal context, scapulae is the preferred plural form. This reflects the word’s Latin roots and adheres to the traditional rules of Latin pluralization.

Example:

• “The X-ray revealed fractures in both scapulae.”
• “The muscle attaches to the superior part of the scapulae.”

Scapulas: The Modern, Casual Option

On the other hand, if you’re having a casual conversation or writing something more accessible, you can use scapulas without any hesitation. This anglicized form is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts, and it’s likely what most people will expect to hear in everyday speech.

Example:

• “I think I strained my scapulas during the workout.”
• “The scapulas are important for shoulder mobility.”

When to Use “Scapulae” and “Scapulas”

Knowing when to use scapulae vs scapulas boils down to understanding your targeted audience and the formality of the situation.

• Use “scapulae” in formal, scientific, or medical writing. It’s the preferred plural form in academic literature, medical documentation, and professional settings.
• Use “scapulas” in everyday conversation, non-formal writing, or casual contexts. It’s more accessible to the general public and less likely to sound overly formal.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Context	Preferred Plural Form
Medical writing	Scapulae
Scientific papers	Scapulae
Everyday conversation	Scapulas
Informal writing	Scapulas

Examples in Context

Let’s take a look at some real-world examples of both plural forms used in different contexts.

Medical Example (Formal)

“After reviewing the patient’s MRI, the doctor noted a misalignment in the right and left scapulae.”

Everyday Example (Informal)

“I was at the gym yesterday, and now both my scapulas are killing me.”

Professional Writing (Formal)

“In anatomical studies, the scapulae are crucial for understanding the mechanics of shoulder movement.”

Conversational Writing (Informal)

“When you rotate your arms, your scapulas move to allow for greater flexibility.”

Comparison with Other Nouns Ending in “-la”

To further clarify how scapula fits into the broader category of Latin-derived nouns, let’s compare it with other common words that follow similar pluralization rules.

Singular	Plural (Latin)	Plural (English)
Scapula	Scapulae	Scapulas
Fibula	Fibulae	Fibulas
Formula	Formulae	Formulas
Fossa	Fossae	Fossas

As you can see, many Latin-derived words offer two plural forms—one following the Latin rules and one adapted for easier use in English.

Dont miss it : What Is the Plural of Chief? Chiefs or Chieves?

Conclusion

At Final Look, the plural form of scapula can be either scapulae or scapulas, depending on the context. In formal, medical, or academic writing, scapulae is the preferred plural form, following traditional Latin rules. Although, in daily conversation or informal writing, scapulas is perfectly acceptable and widely understood.

When in doubt, consider your audience and the tone of your writing. If you’re communicating in a professional or scientific setting, stick with scapulae. But for more casual contexts, feel free to use scapulas without worrying about breaking any grammatical rules.

With a better understanding of these pluralization rules, you’ll feel more confident using terms like scapula, scapulae, and scapulas in your writing and conversation. And now you also know the difference between the plural form for formula, scapula, and other similar words.

Sources

• Oxford English Dictionary
• Gray’s Anatomy (41st Edition)
• Medical Terminology Textbooks