Neuroanatomy Basics
Arcot Chandrasekhar, M.D.
Ashok Kumar, M.D.
November 5, 2013
MRI Titbits
• MRI can provide axial, sagittal and coronal views.
• MRI is best for tissue discrimination and is superior to
CT.
• Look at pre-contrast and post-contrast MRI as a pair.
• T2 wtd MRI: There are many MRI sequences used to
visualize specific tissues.
• Flair and diffusion wtd images are a few examples.
• The best way to distinguish T1 wtd MRI from T2 wtd
MRI is by the appearance of CSF. CSF is bright in T2 wtd
MRI and CSF is dark in T1 wtd MRI.
Post-contrast sagittal T1 wtd MRI
Post-contrast sagittal T1 wtd MRI
Post-contrast sagittal T1 wtd MRI
• For axial images you need to know the level.
• The next set of images are axial sections of
brain from top to bottom.
Pre-contrast axial T1 wtd MRI
Pre-contrast axial T1 wtd MRI
Pre-contrast axial T1 wtd MRI
Pre-contrast axial T1 wtd MRI
Pre-contrast axial T1 wtd MRI
Spinal cord anatomy
Pre-contrast sagittal T1 wtd MRI of cervical spine
Pre-contrast axial T2 wtd MRI of cervical spine at C5-C6 level
Pre-contrast axial T1 wtd MRI of thoracic spine
Pre-contrast sagittal T1 wtd MRI of cervical spine
Pre-contrast sagittal T1 wtd MRI lumbar spine
CSF dark in T1 wtd image
Sagittal T2 wtd MRI of lumbar spine
CSF bright in T2 wtd image
CT Titbits
• CT provides axial views of the brain and spine.
• Computer reconstructed process can provide sagittal
view.
• Pre-contrast CT is best for evaluation of bone and acute
hemorrhage.
• Bone and acute blood appear hyperdense.
• Post-contrast CT enables visualization of vasculature
and abnormal brain tissue.
• Normal brain does not enhance with contrast.
• CSF is hypodense and dark.
• Vertebra are counted down from C2 or up from S1.
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Pre Contrast CT Brain
Normal CT anatomy of cervical spine at the level of C1 vertebral body