Brain Navigation
Sections
The brain, being a three-dimensional object, can be cut into three different planes of orientation. They are:
- Coronal
- Sagittal
- Horizontal
- Coronal
: Sections looking head-on toward an upright subject directly facing you
- Sagittal
: Sections looking head-on toward an upright subject facing sideways
- Horizontal
: Also known as transverse or axial sections, are parallel to the floor when the subject is standing upright. These views are very common with imaging techniques such as CT or MRI (see Brain Imaging Tutorial)
Orientation
Sections can be viewed from different locations within the brain. They can be viewed from the center (medial) toward the edge (lateral). When naming the different locations, the convention taken is one of a brain within a four-legged animal. This can be confusion for a human brain. (Simply assume the brain is located in a dog's head).
- Rostral
: Also referred to as anterior. The frontal section of the brain closest to the face, nose, and mouth. Rostrum is Latin for a speaker's platform, used for oration.
- Caudal
: Also referred to as posterior. The rear section of the brain closest to the back of the head. This refers to the tail in animals. Caudalis is Latin for tail.
- Dorsal
: Also referred to as superior. The upper section of the brain closest to the top of the head. This refers to the back in animals. Dorsum is Latin for back.
- Ventral
: Also referred to as inferior. The lower section of the brain closest to the neck. This refers to the belly in animals. Ventralis is Latin for belly.
The orientation is used in conjunction with a sectional view to navigate through the brain:
- Rostral/Caudal
or Anterior/Posterior: Used to locate coronal sections.
- Dorsal/Ventral
or Superior/Inferior: Used to locate horizontal sections.
- Medial/Lateral
: Used specifically to locate sagittal sections, but in general to differentiate between the center and the edge. The half-way sagittal section is known as the midsagittal cut.
Quick Quiz
What kind of cuts are depicted above?
Check answers here.
