The Sylvian cistern is well understood and described in the anatomical and surgical literature. Computed tomography (CD and magnetic resonance (MR) have advanced our knowledge of this area. Description of the sylvian cistern is generally done in the axial and coronal planes. The sagittal plane is underutilized but adds another dimension to anatomy not observed in the other planes. In particular, the triangular shaped insular cortex with its gyri and sulci, is well depicted in this plane. In this exhibit we present the normal sagittal MRI anatomy and various examples of pathology occurring in this area.