Which are considered the primary planes of view in neuroanatomy?

• A. Sagittal, Coronal, Horizontal
• B. Frontal, Transverse, Oblique
• C. Median, Lateral, Peripheral
• D. Superior, Inferior, Medial

Answer: (A)

In neuroanatomy, the standard reference frames for viewing brain structures are the three primary planes: sagittal, coronal, and horizontal. The sagittal plane slices the brain from front to back, separating left from right. The coronal plane runs from side to side, splitting front (anterior) from back (posterior). The horizontal plane, also called axial, slices parallel to the floor, separating top (superior) from bottom (inferior). These planes provide a consistent, universally used framework for describing locations, imaging findings, and surgical approaches across individuals and studies.

Other terms don’t describe a standard viewing plane. Oblique refers to an angled cut that isn’t one of the main references, while terms like median, lateral, peripheral describe locations rather than a viewing orientation. Similarly, superior, inferior, and medial are directional descriptors, not planes of view.