PLANES OF THE BRAIN ★ Parasagittal views help in examining

asymmetrical features or pathologies

in one hemisphere.

The planes of the brain are essential concepts

in neuroanatomy, imaging, and neurosurgery.
Coronal Plane
They provide a standardized way to describe
the location of structures and the orientation of - The coronal plane, also known as the
slices of the brain. frontal plane, runs vertically from one
side of the brain to the other, dividing
THREE PRIMARY PLANES: it into anterior (front) and posterior
(back) parts.
Sagittal Plane
- These cuts are perpendicular to the
- Runs vertically from the front sagittal plane.
(anterior) to the back (posterior) of the
brain, dividing it into left and right ★ Coronal sections are valuable for
sections. visualizing structures in the frontal
and parietal lobes, as well as for
Mid-sagittal (median) plane assessing the relationship between the
- When the plane is exactly in the brain's gray and white matter.
middle, splitting the brain into equal ★ These views are commonly used in
left and right halves. clinical practice to evaluate tumors,
strokes, and other pathologies that
Parasagittal plane span multiple lobes of the brain.
- Any plane parallel to the mid-sagittal
plane but offset to one side.
Transverse Plane
★ The mid-sagittal plane is particularly - Also referred to as the axial plane.
useful for studying the symmetry and - It runs parallel to the ground, dividing
central structures of the brain, such as the brain into superior (upper) and
the corpus callosum, brainstem, and inferior (lower) parts.
the ventricular system. - These cutsare perpendicular to both
the sagittal and coronal planes.
 ★ Horizontal sections are extensively
used in brain imaging techniques like
MRI and CT scans because they
provide a comprehensive view of both
hemispheres and allow for the
assessment of the brain's overall
structure.
★ They are particularly helpful in
evaluating the brain’s ventricular
system, the extent of bleeding, and the
distribution of diffuse pathologies.

Importance in Imaging and Clinical Practice

● MRI and CT Scans: The brain is divided into several distinct lobes,
- Modern imaging techniques often produce each associated with different functions. There
images in all three planes to give a are four primary lobes in the human brain:
comprehensive view of the brain’s structure.
- Each plane provides unique information,
Frontal Lobe
making it easier to pinpoint abnormalities,
understand the extent of disease, and plan
treatments or surgical interventions. It is situated at the front of the brain, extending
back to the central sulcus.
● Surgical Planning: ● Functions:
- Neurosurgeons rely on these planes to - Motor Function: Controls
navigate and access specific brain regions voluntary movements through
safely. the primary motor cortex.
- The planes help in understanding the spatial - Cognitive Functions: Involved
relationships between different structures, in reasoning, planning,
which is crucial for avoiding critical areas problem-solving, judgement,
during surgery. and impulse control.
- Speech Production: Broca's
area, typically located in the
Understanding the planes of the brain is left frontal lobe, is essential
fundamental for anyone working in for speech production.
neuroscience, neurology, radiology, or - Personality and Behavior:
neurosurgery. These planes allow for a Influences personality traits
systematic approach to studying and and social behavior.
diagnosing conditions of the brain, aiding in
the effective treatment and understanding of ● Associated Areas
various neurological disorders. - Prefrontal Cortex: Involved in
complex behaviors such as
decision making and social
LOBES OF THE BRAIN interactions.
 - Primary Motor Cortex: lobe, is crucial for understanding
Responsible for voluntary spoken and written language.
motor activity. - Emotional Response: The amygdala,
also located in the temporal lobe, is
involved in processing emotions.
Parietal Lobe
It is positioned behind the frontal lobe, ● Associated Areas
separated by the central sulcus, and extending - Primary Auditory Cortex:
to the occipital lobe. Processes auditory
● Functions: information.
- Sensory Perception: Processes - Hippocampus: Key for
sensory information such as memory and learning.
touch, temperature, and pain - Amygdala: Involved in
through the primary emotional processing and
somatosensory cortex. memory.
- Spatial Orientation: Important
for understanding spatial
relationships and body
Occipital Lobe
position.
- Integration of Sensory Located at the back of the brain.
Information: Combines
sensory inputs from different ● Functions:
modalities to form a coherent - Visual Processing: Contains the
perception of the primary visual cortex, essential for
environment. interpreting visual information such as
color, light, and movement.
● Associated Area:
- Primary Somatosensory ● Associated Areas:
Cortex: Processes sensory - Primary Visual Cortex (V1):
information from the body. Processes basic visual
- Posterior Parietal Cortex: information.
Involved in spatial reasoning - Secondary Visual Areas:
and attention. Involved in higher-order
visual processing, such as
object recognition and motion
Temporal Lobe
detection.
It is located beneath the lateral sulcus, on the
sides of the brain.
● Functions: Each lobe of the brain is specialized for
- Auditory Processing: It contains the particular functions, yet they work together to
primary auditory cortex, essential for enable complex behaviors and cognitive
processing sounds. processes. Damage to any of these lobes can
- Memory Formation: The result in specific deficits related to their
hippocampus, located within the functions, highlighting the importance of their
temporal lobe, plays a critical role in distinct roles. Understanding the lobes of the
forming and retrieving memories. brain is fundamental in fields such as
- Language Comprehension: Wernicke's neuropsychology, neurology, and cognitive
area, typically in the left temporal neuroscience.