Anatomical positions/planes

Question 1

Sagittal Plane

Answer 1

Vertical plane divides the body into left and right portions

Question 2

Coronal (frontal) plane

Answer 2

Vertical plane divides the body into anterior (ventral) and posterior (dorsal) parts.

Question 3

Transverse plane

Answer 3

Horizontal plane divides the body into cranial (top) and caudal (bottom) sections and the organs into superior and inferior parts.

Question 4

Median Sagittal plane

Answer 4

Vertical plane along the central axis of the body, dividing into equal halves. Passing through the bony landmarks of the nasion, symphysis menti, supra sternal notch, xiphisternum and symphysis pubis.

Question 5

Transphyloric line

Answer 5

An axial plane dividing the jugular notch (top of the sternum) and pubic symphysis (bottom of the pelvis where the left and right pelvis connect)

Question 6

Subcostal line

Answer 6

A transverse (horizontal) line which transects the inferior most border (bottom) of the thoracic (rib) cage.

Question 7

Transtubercular line

Answer 7

A transverse line that runs through the iliac tubercles (Outer lip of the iliac crest of hip bone).

Question 8

Mid-axillary line

Answer 8

A vertical line running down the middle from the armpits along the frontal plane.

Question 9

Mid-clavicular line

Answer 9

A vertical line running downwards from the midpoint of the clavicle to the midpoint of the inguinal point (groin area)

Question 10

Axial plane

Answer 10

The anatomy is viewed from below looking up, so that the patient’s right side is displayed on the left side of the screen and vice versa.

Question 11

Coronal plane

Answer 11

The anatomy is viewed from the front, looking back.

Question 12

Sagittal Plane

Answer 12

There is no standardisation (convention) for viewing the sagittal plane.