Anatomical Planes of Motion

Frontal Plane

Also lies vertically however divides the body into anterior and posterior parts (front/back). It is also known as the Coronal Plane.

Axis

An axis is a straight line around which an object rotates. Movement at the joint take place in a plane about an axis. There are three axis of rotation.

Describe the Anatomical Position (6)

Body is erect Feet are together Upper limbs hanging at the sides Palms of the hands facing anteriorly Thumbs facing laterally Fingers extended

Axes of Rotation

For movement to occurs in a plane, it must turn or rotate about an axis that has a 90 degree relationship to that plane. Axis is within the joint

Sagittal Plane

Lies vertically and divides the body into right and left parts

Frontal Plane of Motion and Axis

Motion: Abduction/abduction Side flexion Inversion/eversion Axis: Sagittal

Transverse Plane of Motion and Axis

Motion: Int rotationn/ext rotation Horizontal flexion/extension Supination/pronation Axis: Vertical

Sagittal Plane of Motion and Axis

Motion: Flexion/Extension Axis: Frontal

Frontal Axis

The frontal axis passes horizontally from left to right and is formed by the intersection of the frontal and transverse planes.

Sagittal Axis

The sagittal axis passes horizontally from posterior to anterior; front and back; and is formed by the intersection of the sagittal and transverse planes.

Vertical Axis

The vertical axis passes vertically from inferior to superior and is formed by the intersection of the sagittal and frontal planes.

What are Planes of Motion?

These are 3 basic imaginary planes that pass through the body dividing it into different sections/directions. All motion occurs around one of these three planes of motion.

Mid-Sagittal

This plane is also referred to the median and it divides the body into equal left and right parts. It goes directly down the center of the body and is a branch of the sagittal plane (it isn't considered one of the basic three planes)

Transverse Plane

Transverse plane lies horizontally and divides the body into superior and inferior parts (top/bottom). It is also known as the cross-sectional, axial or horizontal plane.