Anterior Thorax and Neck - LO 3

3. List and describe anatomical planes.

There are four types of imaginary planes that intersect the body in the anatomical position: median, sagittal, frontal, & transverse.

Median plane: vertical plane passing longitudinally through the body (or structure) midline, divides right and left halves.

Sagittal planes: vertical planes passing through the body parallel to the median plane, divides right and left portions.

Frontal (coronal) planes: vertical planes passing through the body at right angles to the median plane, divides anterior and posterior portions.

Transverse (horizontal) planes: planes passing through the body perpendicular to any of the vertical planes, divides superior and inferior portions.