2 Sectioning Planes

Sectioning Planes:

Imagine cutting a loaf of bread. You could cut this load in several different directions to achieve your perfect slice. Similarly, anatomists use sectioning planes to help visualize the body through various points of view. Anatomical sectioning planes are square-like dividers which separates the body into two halves. There are 3 main planes:

• • Coronal (frontal): separates the front and back sides of the body
  • Sagittal (longitudinal): separates the left and right sides of the body
    • Parasagittal planes: like sagittal planes, but divide the specimen in unequal left and right portions
    • Midsagittal planes: divides the body perfectly down the midline
  • Transverse (axial): separates the upper and lower parts of the body

The image below depicts several sectioning planes relevant to anatomical positions:

Activity:

For an example of a midsagittal sectioning, check out this 3D model of the brain!