Anatomical Planes

Sagittal Planes (PARASAGITTAL PLANES)

Planes parallel to the median plane. Divide the body into unequal right and left parts. Theoretically, there are an unlimited number of possible sagittal planes.

Horizontal Planes (TRANSVERSE PLANES)

Run through the body parallel to the ground at right angles to the median, sagittal, and frontal planes. Divide the body into upper and lower parts. Theoretically, there are and unlimited number of possible horizontal planes.

Median Plane (MIDSAGITTAL PLANE)

Runes through the body from head to toe. Divides the body into right and left halves. There is only one median plane. Midline: An imaginary line created by the junction of the median plane with the antereior and posterior surfaces of the body.

Frontal Planes (CORONAL PLANES)

Runs through the body from head to toe at right angle to the median plane. Divide body into front and back parts. Theoretically, there are an unlimited number of possible frontal planes.

Anatomical Sections

When a body or body part is sliced along an anatomical plane, the resulting slice is called a section. Therefore, a slice is made through the median plane creates a median section; one through a sagittal plane, a sagittal section; one through a frontal plane, a frontal or coronal section; and one through a horizontal plane, a horizontal, transverse, or cross section. Sagittal sections have medial and lateral surfaces; frontal sections, anterior and posterior surfaces; and horizontal sections, superior and inferior surfaces.