Sternal plane

Sternal plane

The sternal plane, also known as the median plane, is an important anatomical reference point used in the field of medicine. It is a vertical plane that passes through the center of the body, dividing it into left and right halves. The sternal plane is named after the sternum, the breastbone located in the center of the chest.

Anatomically, the sternal plane is used as a standard reference point for describing the location of various structures within the body. It is commonly used in medical imaging, surgical procedures, and anatomical studies to provide a consistent frame of reference.

The sternal plane is located in the midline of the body, running from the top of the head down to the pubic symphysis, which is the joint between the two pubic bones in the pelvis. It intersects the sagittal plane, which divides the body into front and back halves, and the transverse plane, which divides the body into upper and lower halves.

In clinical practice, the sternal plane is used to describe the position of organs, blood vessels, nerves, and other structures within the body. For example, the heart is located slightly to the left of the sternal plane, while the liver is primarily located on the right side of the body.

Understanding the sternal plane is essential for healthcare professionals to accurately communicate and interpret anatomical information. It serves as a fundamental reference point for medical terminology and spatial relationships within the body.

For more information on anatomical planes and reference points, please refer to the anatomical terms of location article.