In conventional human radiological imaging (e.g., MRI, PET, CT) of the head, the axial plane is synonymous with the horizontal plane. Which of the following statements about this plane is most accurate?

The axial plane is an axis of symmetry in the forebrain.
The long axis of the spinal cord is in the axial plane of the cranium.
The axial plane is parallel to the sagittal plane.
The axial plane is parallel to the floor of the cranium.
The axial plane is parallel to the coronal plane.

To determine the most accurate statement about the axial plane in conventional human radiological imaging, we need to understand what the axial plane represents.

The axial plane, also known as the transverse plane, is an anatomical plane that divides the body or a body part into upper and lower portions. In the case of the head, the axial plane is synonymous with the horizontal plane.

With this information, let's evaluate each option:

1. The axial plane is an axis of symmetry in the forebrain: This statement is not accurate. The axial plane does not represent an axis of symmetry in any specific region of the brain.

2. The long axis of the spinal cord is in the axial plane of the cranium: This statement is not accurate. The spinal cord is oriented vertically within the vertebral canal and is not aligned with the axial plane of the cranium.

3. The axial plane is parallel to the sagittal plane: This statement is not accurate. The axial plane is perpendicular to the sagittal plane, which divides the body into left and right halves.

4. The axial plane is parallel to the floor of the cranium: This statement is accurate. In conventional human radiological imaging, the axial plane is aligned with the floor of the cranium, which is essentially horizontal. This is why the axial plane is often referred to as the horizontal plane in this context.

5. The axial plane is parallel to the coronal plane: This statement is not accurate. The axial plane and the coronal plane are perpendicular to each other. The coronal plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Based on the information provided, the most accurate statement is that the axial plane is parallel to the floor of the cranium.

The axial plane is an axis of symmetry in the forebrain.

The axial plane is parallel to the coronal plane

forebrain