Which gradient orientation is applied to produce a sagittal slice in 2D MRI?

To produce a sagittal slice in 2D MRI, the gradient orientation applied is along the X axis. In MRI, the orientation of the slice is determined by the direction of the applied gradients. A sagittal slice divides the body into left and right sections, which means that imaging needs to be conducted in a plane that runs from front to back while moving sideways.

By applying the gradient in the X axis, the MRI system focuses its imaging along this direction, allowing for the proper delineation of anatomical structures as viewed in a sagittal plane. This approach ensures that the resulting image accurately reflects the anatomy as it would be seen from this perspective. Other orientations, such as the Y and Z axes, would yield different slice orientations, such as coronal or axial slices, rather than a sagittal view. Thus, identifying the correct axis is crucial in targeting the desired imaging plane.