UNDERSTANDING THE PLANES OF CT SCAN AND THEIR WORK IN DIAGNOSIS

SOUMYA PRAKASH SARANGI October 21, 2024

Computed Tomography scans provides cross- sectional images of the body, Understanding the various anatomical planes utilized in CT imaging is crucial for effective interpretation and clinical decision-making.

Below a detailed analysis of the primary planes used in CT Scan.

1. Axial Plane (Transverse Plane)

The axial plane, which is also known as the transverse plane, divides the body into upper and lower sections. This is important for understanding the anatomy in a horizontal orientation.

CT scanners acquire images in slices, typically ranging from 1 to 10 mm thick. These slices can be stacked to create a 3D image of the scanned area.

Axial image are important for diagnosing a various type of conditions such as Tumors(Identifying masses in organs), Trauma(Injuries to bones) and Hemorrhages (Bleeding within Brain or Abdominal Cavity)

Fig1. AXIAL IMAGE OF THORAX

Fig2. AXIAL IMAGE OF BRAIN

2. Sagittal Plane

The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right sections.

Sagittal images are generated by reconstructing data from axial slices. This images provides side view anatomy.

Sagittal imaging is particularly useful for Evaluating spinal alignment, disc herniation, and spinal stenosis.

Understanding the orientation of the heart

Fig3. SAGITTAL IMAGE OF THORAX

Fig4. SAGITTAL IMAGE OF ABDOMEN

Fig5. SAGITTAL IMAGE OF L.S SPINE

3. Coronal Plane

The coronal plane separates the body into anterior and posterior parts. This plane is vital for understanding the anterior-posterior anatomical structures.

Coronal images are also reconstructed from axial data. This plane provides a frontal view of the anatomy

These images are used for assessing lung disease and pathologies & Visualising the abdominal organs and their anatomical positions