Morphological aspects of the brain in the Indian grey mongoose (Herpestes Edwardsii)

Abstract

Mongoose is a common name for 29 to 34 species in 14 genera of the family Herpestidae which are found in vast areas of southwestern Asia, especially southern Iran. Anatomical and morphological studies of the brain have always been of interest to the researchers in the field of anatomy, due to its high importance in various fields of veterinary and zoology. Because of the lack of information about the brain structure in wild carnivores, the present study was conducted to better understand the morphological features in Indian grey mongoose. For this purpose, 4 carcasses of adult mongooses were used. They were found in different areas of Fars province. The mongooses had died due to natural causes. The brain was carefully separated from the skull and the measurements and observations were made on different parts of it. In this study, it wa found that the brain's structure has an ovoid appearance. Also, distinguished olfactory bulbs, deep transverse and longitudinal fissures, and relatively large cerebellar vermis were observed. According to the current study, it can be concluded that the anatomical features of the brain in the mongoose are similar to those of other carnivores and are in perfect harmony with the sensory and motor capabilities of the animal.