MR imaging of brain morphology, vascularisation and encephalization in the koala.

Abstract

The ratio of brain volume to cranial volume of Phascolarctos cinereus has been reported to be low (60% encephalization) compared to other marsupials and eutherians. This MRI study indicates a substantial difference between the living P. cinereus brain (83% - 90% encephalization) and ones of cadaver specimens. This highlights the importance of in vivo morphological studies.