Planes and Axes of Movement

Question 1

Describe the anatomical position

Answer 1

• Position from which all movement terms can be referenced from
• Body upright, eyes looking forward, arms by side with palms facing forward
• Feet flat, toes facing forward

Question 2

Describe the sagittal plane

Answer 2

• Divides the body into left and right portions
• Performs flexion and extension

Question 3

Describe the frontal plane

Answer 3

• Divides the body into front and back portions
• Performs abduction and adduction

Question 4

Describe the transverse plane

Answer 4

• Divides the body into upper and lower portions
• Performs internal and external rotation (rotation towards/away from midline)