In CBCT, which statement correctly describes the axial plane view orientation?

• A. From the feet toward the head
• B. From the head toward the feet
• C. From the front toward the back
• D. From the back toward the front

Answer: (B)

In CBCT, the axial plane is a horizontal cross-section, and the view is oriented along the cranial–caudal axis. Viewing an axial reconstruction as if you’re looking from the head toward the feet keeps the top of the image near the head and the bottom near the feet. This consistent head-to-feet perspective aligns with how we describe structures by their superior (toward the head) and inferior (toward the feet) positions, making interpretation straightforward when assessing anatomy from the skull down through the jaw and neck. Starting from the feet and moving toward the head would invert that standard indexing and can lead to confusion when locating features. Orientation along front-to-back or back-to-front describes an anterior–posterior axis, which is not the axial plane’s usual viewing convention.