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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 …