Body Planes

Question 1

Median (midsagittal)

Answer 1

The vertical plane that passes longitudinally through the center of the body, dividing it into right and left halves

Question 2

Coronal (frontal)

Answer 2

The vertical plane passing through the body at right angles to the median plane, dividing it into anterior and posterior sections

Question 3

Horizontal (transverse) plane

Answer 3

A plane that passes through the body at right angles dividing it into superior and inferior sections

Question 4

Sagittal plane

Answer 4

A plane that is similar to the median plane, in that it divides the body into right and left, but different in that it can divide the body into unequal parts

Question 5

Describe the anatomical position.

Answer 5

Standing erect or lying in supine (on ones back) with feet together, eyes forward, palms facing anteriorly, and thumbs pointing away fro the body.

Question 6

Why is the anatomical position useful?

Answer 6

Because anatomical descriptions can be organized in relation to avoid ambiguity.