Views and planes of the brain

Author: Scott A. Sheffield MS

Last update:

The human brain is often image descriptionsectioned (cut) and viewed from different directions and angles.

An image showing the lateral view of the brain
An image showing the section planes of the brain (coronal/horizontal/midsagittal)
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  • Each point of view provides an altered perspective of the brain that changes the appearance of the major divisions, landmarks, and structures.

An image showing all brain perspectives/views (lateral - medial - superior - inferior - coronal - horizontal)

 

  • Anatomical directions

An image showing the superior direction of the brain (lateral view)
An image showing the inferior direction of the brain (lateral view)
An image showing the anterior direction of the brain (lateral view)
An image showing the posterior direction of the brain (lateral view)
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Quickly learn the parts of the brain with these interactive quizzes and labelling exercises.

  • Reference planes:

An image showing the coronal plane of the brain (lateral view)
An image showing the horizontal plane of the brain (lateral view)
An image showing the midsagittal plane of the brain (lateral view)
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Views of the brain:

An image showing the directions of the superior view of the brain
An image showing the directions of the horizontal view of the brain
An image showing the directions of the lateral view of the brain
An image showing the directions of the medial view of the brain
An image showing the directions of the coronal view of the brain
An image showing the directions of the inferior view of the brain
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