---
title: How to Localise Your View on an Axial MRI Brain Scan
description: "There are several methods and anatomical landmarks that can help you determine the **depth and specific level within the brain** when looking at an **axial scan**. Here are some key points to consider: ## Familiarise with anatomical landmarks - **Supratentorial…"
url: "https://neuro.vip/neuropsychology/neuroanatomy-neuroradiology/how-to-localise-your-view-on-an-axial-mri-brain-scan/"
updated: "2025-07-30"
category: "Neuroanatomy & Neuroradiology"
tags:
  - Neuroanatomy
  - Neuroradiology
---

# How to Localise Your View on an Axial MRI Brain Scan

There are several methods and anatomical landmarks that can help you determine the **depth and specific level within the brain** when looking at an **axial scan**. Here are some key points to consider:

## Familiarise with anatomical landmarks

- **Supratentorial Structures:** Look for the cerebral hemispheres, lateral ventricles, basal ganglia, thalamus, pineal gland, and corpus callosum.
- **Infratentorial Structures:** Identify the cerebellum, brainstem, fourth ventricle, and cisterna magna.

## Identify key axial planes

- **High Axial Scans:** At the level of the high convexity, you will see the superior aspects of the frontal and parietal lobes.
- **Ventricular Level:** The lateral ventricles and the third ventricle become visible.
- **Basal Ganglia Level:** Caudate nucleus, lentiform nucleus (putamen and globus pallidus), and thalamus are evident.
- **Midbrain Level:** Tectum, tegmentum, cerebral peduncles, and superior cerebellar peduncles.
- **Pons Level:** Basis pontis, middle cerebellar peduncles, and fourth ventricle.
- **Medulla Level:** Pyramid, olives, and the decussation of the pyramids.

## Use proportions and symmetry

- **Proportions:** The relative size of anatomical structures can give clues about the level. For example, the size and shape of the lateral ventricles vary along their length.
- **Symmetry:** Look at midline structures (e.g., falx cerebri, third ventricle) and bilateral symmetry (e.g., temporal lobes, basal ganglia).

## Look for specific features in calvarium, gyri, sulci, and ventricles

- **Calvarium:** The calvarium (skull cap) can be a reference point; the higher the slice, the more calvarium you see.
- **Gyri and Sulci:** The pattern of gyri and sulci varies at different levels and can be a useful landmark.
- **Ventricles:** Their appearance changes significantly along the rostrocaudal axis.

## Combine with coronal and sagittal Views

- Use coronal and sagittal reconstructions to confirm the exact depth and level of a structure seen in the axial plane.

## Practice

Consistent practice and reviewing annotated atlases of brain imaging can significantly enhance your ability to quickly identify the level of an axial scan.

#### Example Illustration

When you see the **lateral ventricles** in an axial scan:

- **Anterior Horns:** You are in a higher level within the frontal lobe.
- **Trigone (where the body, posterior, and inferior horns meet):** You are in a more central location.
- **Posterior and Inferior Horns:** You are at a lower level, closer to the occipital and temporal lobes.

## Learn neuroanatomy for neuropsychologists

We have put together an excellent list of links to the best [neuroanatomy learning resources](https://neuro.vip/neuropsychology/neuroanatomy-neuroradiology/neuroanatomy-for-neuropsychologists/) - these include labelled MRI brain scans. You may also be interested in our [distinguishing frontal/parietal from frontal/temporal lobes on brain MRI article](https://neuro.vip/neuropsychology/neuroanatomy-neuroradiology/distinguishing-between-frontal-and-parietal-or-frontal-and-temporal-lobes-on-an-axial-mri-brain-scan/).