Planes of the Body

Medical professionals often refer to sections of the body in terms of anatomical planes (flat surfaces). These planes are imaginary lines - vertical or horizontal - drawn through an upright body. The terms are used to describe a specific body part.

Coronal Plane (Frontal Plane)
A verticle plane running from side to side; divides the body or any of its parts into anterior and posterior portions.

Sagittal Plane (Lateral Plane)
A verticle plane running from front to back; divides the body or any of its parts into right and left sides.

Axial Plane (Transverse Plane)
A horizontal plane; divides the body or any of its parts into upper and lower parts.

Median plane
Sagittal plane through the midline of the body; divides the body or any of its parts into right and left halves.

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