Cross section
Cross section
A cross section is a concept used in various fields of science and engineering to describe the intersection of a three-dimensional object with a plane. This intersection results in a two-dimensional shape that reveals the internal structure of the object. Cross sections are widely used in geometry, anatomy, physics, engineering, and geology.
Types of Cross Sections[edit | edit source]
Cross sections can be classified based on the orientation of the intersecting plane relative to the object:
- Horizontal Cross Section: A plane parallel to the base of the object.
- Vertical Cross Section: A plane perpendicular to the base of the object.
- Oblique Cross Section: A plane that intersects the object at an angle other than 90 degrees.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Geometry[edit | edit source]
In geometry, cross sections are used to study the properties of three-dimensional shapes. For example, the cross section of a cylinder cut by a plane parallel to its base is a circle, while a plane perpendicular to its base results in a rectangle.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
In anatomy, cross sections are essential for understanding the internal structure of the human body. Techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans produce cross-sectional images that help in diagnosing medical conditions.
Physics[edit | edit source]
In physics, the term cross section is used in particle physics to describe the probability of a specific interaction between particles. The scattering cross section is a measure of the likelihood of particles scattering off each other.
Engineering[edit | edit source]
In engineering, cross sections are used in the design and analysis of structures. For example, the cross-sectional area of a beam is crucial in determining its strength and stability.
Geology[edit | edit source]
In geology, cross sections are used to represent the arrangement of rock layers beneath the Earth's surface. These diagrams help geologists understand the geological history and structure of a region.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
- Geometry
- Anatomy
- Physics
- Engineering
- Geology
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Computed tomography
- Scattering cross section
- Cylinder
- Circle
- Rectangle
- Beam (structure)
Categories[edit | edit source]
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
