Introduction Show
The directional references allow the body to be divided along three imaginary planes. The frontal plane runs parallel to the long axis of the body produces anterior and posterior sections. The frontal plane is sometimes referred to as the coronal (kor-O-nal) plane, particularly when dealing with sections through the skull. The sagittal (sa-GI-tal) plane also runs parallel to the long axis of the body, but produces left and right sections. When the plane passes through the midline of the body, and equal left and right sections are produced, the term midsagittal is used. When any other sagittal section is produced, the term parasagittal is used. The transverse (or horizontal) plane is perpendicular to the long axis of the body, and produces superior and inferior sections. These planes, and the sections that they produce, provide an opportunity to explore the three-dimensional relationships between anatomical structures. Numerous medical imaging techniques including x-rays, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide sectional views of the internal structures of the body. IntroductionAnatomical planes are imaginary planes/2D surfaces used to divide the body to facilitate descriptions of location and movement. The anatomical position is used as a reference when describing locations of structures and movements. It is an upright position with arms by the side and palms facing forward. Feet are parallel with toes facing forward. You may also be interested in our article covering anatomical movements of the human body. Anatomical termsTo understand anatomical planes, it is important to be familiar with basic anatomical terms:
Additional terms which are more commonly used in embryology and neuroanatomy:
Clinical relevance: describing injuriesIt is important to become familiar with anatomical terms to describe locations of bodily structures and injuries as well as for describing movements. For example, Figure 3 shows a laceration located on the medial aspect of the 4th digit of the left hand immediately distal to the proximal interphalangeal joint. Figure 3. Fourth digit laceration.3Anatomical planesThere are three commonly used anatomical planes: sagittal, coronal and axial (Figure 4). Figure 4. Anatomical planes of the human body.4SagittalThe sagittal plane is a longitudinal plane, dividing the body into right and left parts. These are not necessarily equal but if they are equal the plane is termed a midsagittal or median plane. Figure 5. Sagittal section of the brain.5CoronalThe coronal plane is a longitudinal plane, dividing the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections. Figure 6. Coronal section of the brain.6Clinical relevance: skull suturesSagittal and coronal are also terms used to describe the sutures of the skull. The original meaning of sagittal is ‘arrow’ and coronal means ‘crown’. It can be helpful to remember this when describing the anatomical planes. AxialThe axial (or transverse plane) is a horizontal plane dividing the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections. Figure 9. Axial section of the thigh.9Planes that are not parallel to any of the three planes above are termed oblique planes. Clinical relevance: imaging investigationsRadiological images such as CT and MRI scans are viewed in different anatomical planes. It is important to understand the anatomical planes to orientate oneself to the images. Axial CT and MRI images are viewed from the inferior aspect as if looking at a patient from the foot of the bed. For example, Figure 8 shows a haemorrhagic stroke in the right hemisphere. Figure 10. CT scan of a haemorrhagic stroke.10Key points
ReviewerEva Sweeney, PhDLecturer (Anatomy) EditorDr Chris JefferiesReferences
Which plane divides the body into anterior and posterior?Coronal Plane (Frontal Plane) - A vertical plane running from side to side; divides the body or any of its parts into anterior and posterior portions.
Which body plane is longitudinal and divides the body or organ into anterior and posterior parts also called coronal plane?There are three planes of the body: Coronal (frontal) plane: separates the front (anterior) and back (posterior) of the body. Sagittal (longitudinal) plane: separates the left and right sides of the body.
Which plane divides the body into anterior and posterior parts quizlet?The coronal plane divides the body into anterior and posterior sections. Motions in the coronal plane, such as abduction and adduction, occur around an anterior-posterior axis.
What is the longitudinal plane of the body?A sagittal plane, also known as the longitudinal plane, is perpendicular to the ground and divides the body into left and right.
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