Vol 68, No 4 (2009)
Original article
Submitted: 2012-02-06
Published online: 2009-11-26
Some aspects of the neurocraniometry of the African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse)
M.A. Olude, J.O. Olopade, I.O. Fatola, S.K. Onwuka
Folia Morphol 2009;68(4):224-227.
Vol 68, No 4 (2009)
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Submitted: 2012-02-06
Published online: 2009-11-26
Abstract
Sixteen African giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse), consisting of
8 male and 8 female rats, were used to determine neurocranial measurements
of the skulls. The mean neurocranial volume was 5.06 ± 0.05 mL, neurocranial
length was 3.33 ± 0.08 cm, and the neurocranial height and index were 1.39 ±
± 0.04 cm and 41.74%, respectively. The mean whole skull length and height
were 6.32 ± 0.06 cm and 2.98 ± 0.05 cm, respectively. The skull without the
mandible was 1.83 ± 0.02 cm in height, and the skull index was 28.41 ± 0.58.
The height of the skull of the African giant was approximately half (47%) of the
skull length. The mean height and width of the foramen magnum were 0.78 ±
± 0.01 cm and 0.96 ± 0.02 cm, respectively, while the foramen index was below
100 at 81.46 ± 1.42. Parameters for the whole skull height and foramen magnum
width showed significant difference between both sexes at p < 0.05. The
foramen magnum showed shape variations and there were multiple hypoglossal
foramina in over 87% of the rats. This study, in conclusion, highlighted the possibility
of the estimation of the brain density and the use of the African giant rat
for cranial pressure experiments.
Abstract
Sixteen African giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse), consisting of
8 male and 8 female rats, were used to determine neurocranial measurements
of the skulls. The mean neurocranial volume was 5.06 ± 0.05 mL, neurocranial
length was 3.33 ± 0.08 cm, and the neurocranial height and index were 1.39 ±
± 0.04 cm and 41.74%, respectively. The mean whole skull length and height
were 6.32 ± 0.06 cm and 2.98 ± 0.05 cm, respectively. The skull without the
mandible was 1.83 ± 0.02 cm in height, and the skull index was 28.41 ± 0.58.
The height of the skull of the African giant was approximately half (47%) of the
skull length. The mean height and width of the foramen magnum were 0.78 ±
± 0.01 cm and 0.96 ± 0.02 cm, respectively, while the foramen index was below
100 at 81.46 ± 1.42. Parameters for the whole skull height and foramen magnum
width showed significant difference between both sexes at p < 0.05. The
foramen magnum showed shape variations and there were multiple hypoglossal
foramina in over 87% of the rats. This study, in conclusion, highlighted the possibility
of the estimation of the brain density and the use of the African giant rat
for cranial pressure experiments.
Keywords
skull; morphometry; foramen magnum; cranial pressure
Title
Some aspects of the neurocraniometry of the African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse)
Journal
Folia Morphologica
Issue
Vol 68, No 4 (2009)
Article type
Original article
Pages
224-227
Published online
2009-11-26
Page views
587
Article views/downloads
1373
Bibliographic record
Folia Morphol 2009;68(4):224-227.
Keywords
skull
morphometry
foramen magnum
cranial pressure
Authors
M.A. Olude
J.O. Olopade
I.O. Fatola
S.K. Onwuka