MRI Anatomy and Positioning Flashcards

When imaging the lumbar spine, which position best opens the intervertebral foramina and reduces lumbar lordosis for improved visualization?

Answer: Supine with legs elevated on a cushion (knees and hips flexed)

Flexing the hips and knees while supine flattens lumbar lordosis, opens intervertebral foramina, and improves disc and nerve root visualization.

For a brain MRI, which standard plane best demonstrates the corpus callosum in its entirety?

Answer: Sagittal

The midsagittal plane shows the entire corpus callosum from the genu to the splenium as a continuous C-shaped structure.

Which anatomical landmark is used to prescribe the standard axial plane for brain MRI?

Answer: Anterior commissure–posterior commissure (AC-PC) line

Axial brain MRI slices are typically aligned parallel to the AC-PC line for standardized anatomical coverage and comparison.

What is the preferred patient position and coil for imaging the rotator cuff of the shoulder?

Answer: Supine, arm at side in neutral rotation, dedicated shoulder coil

Supine positioning with the arm at the side in neutral rotation and a dedicated shoulder coil provides optimal SNR and comfort for rotator cuff imaging.

On a coronal MRI of the knee, which structure appears as a low-signal C-shaped band along the tibial plateau?

Answer: Medial meniscus

The medial meniscus appears as a low-signal C-shaped (bow-tie) structure on coronal images along the medial tibial plateau.

For MRI of the internal auditory canals (IACs), which imaging plane is most commonly used as the primary plane?

Answer: Axial

Axial high-resolution images are the primary plane for IAC MRI because they show the full length of CN VII and CN VIII within the canal.