Relative location of brain regions
202212091630
Status:
Tags: Neuroanatomy fMRI
A standard set of nomenclature is used for vertebrate nervous systems to describe locations and physical relationships in the brain.
The major axis of the body is the rostral-caudal axis
- Rostral (beak)
- Caudal (tail)
The vertical axis of the body is the dorso-ventral axis - Dorsum (back)
- Ventrum (belly)
In humans, we use a different set of terms.
- Anterior (front)
- Posterior (back)
- Superior (top)
- Inferior (bottom)
- Medial (towards center)
- Lateral (away from center)
Planes of orientation
- Frontal (coronal)
- Transverse (axial)
- Saggital (sometimes called saggital midline)
This standard set of nomenclature allows for description of the relative locations of the brain.
e.g. the hippocampus is inferior & lateral to the third ventricles
Two conventions exist to determine left vs. right in MRI images
- Radiological convention → left side of patient on right side of image
- Neurological convention → left side of patient on left side of image
Typically, these conventions are defined in software packages to process MRI data. Care must be taken to consistently apply these preferences.
A fiduciary marker is often used during scanning to ensure correct left vs. right labeling
Other commonly used terms:
- Proximal (closer to point of attachment)
- Distal (further point of attachment)
- Ipsilateral (same side of brain)
- Contralateral (other sie of brain)
- Oblique plane (at an angle relative to the brain)
References
FNNI Structural Anatomy in Fundamental Neuroscience for Neuroimaging