Anatomical planes are hypothetical planes used to describe the location of structures in human anatomy. They are applied to the human body in the anatomical position and are used to divide the body into sections. The three most commonly used planes are the sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes.
Sagittal Plane
The sagittal plane is a vertical plane that passes through the body longitudinally, separating it into a left and right section. There is also a specific plane referred to as the median sagittal plane, which is a vertical plane that passes down the midline of the body, dividing it into equal halves.
Coronal Plane
The coronal plane is a vertical plane that passes through the body longitudinally, but at a right angle to the sagittal plane. It divides the body into a front (anterior) section and back (posterior) section.
Transverse Plane
The transverse plane is a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to both the sagittal and coronal planes. Also known as the transaxial or axial plane, it divides the body into an upper (superior) section and a lower (inferior) section, and is parallel to the ground.
These planes are useful for imagining the 3-dimensional body as flat surfaces, helping to accurately describe the location and orientation of structures within the body. They are used by professionals in many medical fields such as anatomy, physiology, and radiology, in order to communicate and visualize the structure of the body.
By understanding the anatomical planes, medical professionals can take an X-ray or CT scan and identify specific structures more efficiently. This knowledge is also important for surgeons who will be performing operations, as it allows them to accurately plan the procedure and identify the necessary steps for a successful outcome.
The anatomical planes are also important for medical illustrators who create drawings and diagrams to help explain and visualize anatomy and physiology. Knowing the anatomical planes allows them to accurately draw structures in the correct orientation and in the correct location.
A basic understanding of the anatomical planes is vital for anyone involved in the fields of medicine, anatomy, physiology, and illustration. Knowing how the planes divide the body into sections and how they relate to one another gives professionals an effective tool to accurately understand and communicate the body's structures.
