Anatomical Investigation into the Brain of Wild African Parrot (Poicephalus senegalus versteri): Gross and Quantitative Study

摘要

Knowledge on the anatomy of the brain of parrot is important with respect to the current advancement in comparative avian anatomy. This investigation was aim at reporting some landmarks anatomical features on the brain of the wild African parrot that will be valuable in obtaining a baseline information in this specie. Ten apparently healthy adult wild African parrots were euthanized using Pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal?) at 40mg per body weight. Sex was not kept into consideration in this study. Quantitative study of the body and brain indicated mean weights to be 163 ± 4.36 g and 4.78 ± 0.21 g, with whole brain having length and width measuring 3.66 ± 0.19 cm and 2.06 ± 0.07 cm respectively. The cerebral surface is thrown into three deep depressions; the interhemispheric fissure flank by two cerebral vallecula. Two large bulges, the Wulst are prominent on the dorsum of the cerebral hemispheres an indication of a good cognitive behaviour. Extensively large optic tracts projects from optic lobes suggesting that the parrot possesses high auditory activity.