In CT imaging, which plane is parallel to the plane of the CT gantry?

The correct response is the axial plane, which is defined as being perpendicular to the long axis of the patient and parallel to the plane of the CT gantry. In computed tomography, images are typically acquired in this axial plane to provide cross-sectional images of the body. The gantry is the part of the CT scanner that houses the x-ray tube and detectors; it rotates around the patient to collect data.

When considering the other options: the X-axis usually represents left-to-right movement, while the Y-axis signifies anterior-to-posterior movement throughout the imaging process. The Z-axis refers to the superior-inferior direction or the head-to-toe direction in patient alignment. While these axes provide a framework for spatial orientation, they do not align with the CT gantry in the same way that the axial plane does, which is specifically tied to the imaging process of producing slices through the body. Thus, understanding the positioning and how images are generated reinforces why the axial plane is the appropriate answer.