Anatomical and Radiological study on the skull of the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Abstract

Four koala heads were used with the aim of studying the anatomy and radiology of the skulls. This study may establish baseline data necessary to help in understanding, interpreting x-ray images and treating some of the respiratory diseases or surgical affections of the head. In addition, it may pave the way for future functional and comparative anatomical and radiological studies. The peculiarities of the skull were mentioned for both cranial and facial bones. The photos taken for the skull from all orientations (9 photos) as well as the two x-ray images were labeled using the recent nomenclature published by NAV (2005) and the illustrated veterinary anatomical nomenclature edited by Schaller (2007).