Cross‑Sectional Anatomy

Cross‑sectional anatomy is the study of the body in axial, coronal, and sagittal slices. It is essential for CT, MRI, and advanced radiography students because it reveals the spatial relationships between organs, vessels, muscles, and bones in three dimensions. Understanding cross‑sectional anatomy improves image interpretation, pathology recognition, and clinical accuracy.

To build a strong foundation, begin with General Anatomy to understand basic structures. Review Radiographic Anatomy to compare planar images with sectional views. Students should also explore PACS and Digital Imaging to understand how cross‑sectional datasets are reconstructed and displayed.

Summary: Cross‑sectional anatomy provides a three‑dimensional understanding of the human body. Strengthen your knowledge by studying general anatomy, comparing planar and sectional images, and exploring CT/MRI reconstruction principles.


Major Cross‑Sectional Anatomy Websites

Imaios e‑Anatomy

The gold‑standard interactive cross‑sectional anatomy atlas.

CTisus Anatomy

High‑quality CT anatomy modules and 3D reconstructions.

Radiopaedia Anatomy

CT and MRI cross‑sectional anatomy cases.

HeadNeckBrainSpine

Detailed neuroanatomy in cross‑section.

W‑Radiology Atlas

Cross‑sectional anatomy for CT and MRI.

AnatomyTOOL

European anatomy learning platform with sectional resources.

Visible Body

3D anatomy models with sectional views.

Kenhub Cross‑Sectional Anatomy

Guided sectional anatomy tutorials.

MedPix (NIH)

Cross‑sectional imaging cases and anatomy.

Radiology Assistant

CT/MRI anatomy and pathology correlation.

Instant Anatomy

Cross‑sectional diagrams and labeled structures.

Anatomy.TV

Professional 3D anatomy with sectional slices.


Head & Brain Anatomy

HeadNeckBrainSpine

High‑resolution brain and skull base cross‑sections.

Radiopaedia Brain Anatomy

Axial, coronal, and sagittal MRI anatomy.

MRI Master

MRI brain anatomy and slice‑by‑slice labeling.

McGill Brain Atlas

Interactive neuroanatomy with sectional imaging.


Neck Anatomy

Head & Neck Atlas

Cross‑sectional neck anatomy with labeled structures.

Radiopaedia Neck Anatomy

CT and MRI neck anatomy.

Kenhub Neck Anatomy

Detailed neck anatomy with sectional references.


Chest Anatomy

CTisus Chest Anatomy

Thoracic CT cross‑sections and 3D models.

Radiopaedia Thorax Anatomy

CT chest anatomy and mediastinal structures.

W‑Radiology Chest

Cross‑sectional thoracic anatomy atlas.


Abdomen & Pelvis Anatomy

CTisus Abdomen

High‑quality abdominal CT anatomy.

Radiopaedia Abdomen Anatomy

CT/MRI abdominal organs and vasculature.

W‑Radiology Abdomen

Cross‑sectional abdominal anatomy atlas.

InnerBody Anatomy

Interactive abdominal organ explorer.


Spine Anatomy

Radiopaedia Spine Anatomy

CT/MRI spine cross‑sections.

MRI Master Spine

MRI spine anatomy with labeled slices.

W‑Radiology Spine

Cross‑sectional spine atlas.


Musculoskeletal Anatomy

Radiopaedia MSK Anatomy

CT/MRI MSK cross‑sectional anatomy.

W‑Radiology MSK

Cross‑sectional MSK atlas.

Imaios MSK

Professional MSK sectional anatomy modules.