Anatomical plane

Anatomical Plane

An anatomical plane is a hypothetical plane used in anatomy to visualize and describe the structure of the body. These planes are imaginary lines – vertical or horizontal – drawn through an upright body. The planes are used as reference points to describe the small or large areas of the body. This concept is fundamental in both diagnostic imaging and anatomical dissection.

Types of Anatomical Planes

There are three primary anatomical planes: the sagittal plane, the coronal plane, and the transverse plane.

Sagittal Plane

The sagittal plane is a vertical plane that divides the body into left and right. When this plane divides the body into equal halves, it is referred to as the median or midsagittal plane. Any plane parallel to the midsagittal or median plane is a parasagittal plane, which is often used in anatomical and medical imaging.

Coronal Plane

The coronal plane or frontal plane is another vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts. It is perpendicular to the sagittal plane and is particularly useful in the description of the front and back features of the body.

Transverse Plane

The transverse plane, also known as the horizontal plane, divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts. It is perpendicular to both the sagittal and coronal planes. This plane is commonly used in CT scans and MRI imaging.

Applications in Medical Imaging

Anatomical planes are essential in the field of medical imaging. They provide a standardized point of reference to describe the location of structures within the body. They are particularly important in diagnostic imaging techniques such as MRI, CT scan, and ultrasound.

See Also

• Anatomical terms of location
• Anatomical terms of motion
• Anatomical terms of muscle