Median plane

Sagittal brain MRI

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Median plane CT scan of a pregnancy of 37 weeks of gestational age

Median plane refers to an anatomical plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves. It is also known as the mid-sagittal plane. This concept is fundamental in anatomy and is used as a reference point for describing the locations of organs and structures within the body.

Definition

The median plane is an imaginary line that runs vertically through the body, dividing it into equal left and right halves. It extends from the head down through the spine and is used as a reference in both human and animal anatomy. Structures that lie in the middle of the body, such as the nose, are said to be on the median plane.

Importance in Anatomy

Understanding the median plane is crucial for medical professionals, particularly those involved in surgery, radiology, and anatomy education. It helps in describing the location of organs, conducting physical examinations, and planning surgical approaches. The median plane, along with the coronal plane and transverse plane, is used to describe three-dimensional positions within the body.

Applications

1. 1. 1. Surgical Planning

Surgeons use the median plane as a guide for certain surgical procedures. For example, operations that require midline incisions, such as laparotomy, are planned with respect to the median plane.

1. 1. 1. Medical Imaging

In medical imaging techniques such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT scans (Computed Tomography), the median plane serves as a reference for interpreting images and diagnosing conditions.

1. 1. 1. Anatomical Studies

Students and professionals in the field of anatomy use the median plane to understand the symmetrical arrangement of the body's structures and to learn the locations of various organs and systems.

Related Planes

Other important anatomical planes include:

• Coronal plane (Frontal plane) - Divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) parts.
• Transverse plane (Horizontal plane) - Divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) parts.

See Also

• Anatomy
• Human body
• Organ (anatomy)
• Surgery
• Medical imaging