Overview
This lecture explains the four major body planes used in anatomy and physiology to describe different sections of the body, with practical examples for each.
Major Body Planes (SOFT)
- Body planes are imaginary flat surfaces used to divide the body for analysis, such as in medical imaging.
- The acronym SOFT stands for Sagittal, Oblique, Frontal, and Transverse planes.
Sagittal Plane
- Runs vertically from top to bottom, dividing the body into left and right portions.
- The midsagittal (median) plane divides the body exactly down the midline.
- A parasagittal plane divides the body into unequal right and left sides.
Oblique Plane
- Any plane that cuts at an angle other than vertical or horizontal.
- Oblique means not parallel or at an odd angle.
Frontal (Coronal) Plane
- Runs vertically and divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.
- Also called the coronal plane.
Transverse (Horizontal) Plane
- Runs horizontally, dividing the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.
- Also referred to as the horizontal plane.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Sagittal Plane — divides the body into left and right portions.
- Midsagittal (Median) Plane — divides the body exactly at the midline into equal left and right halves.
- Parasagittal Plane — divides the body into unequal left and right portions.
- Oblique Plane — divides the body at any non-vertical and non-horizontal angle.
- Frontal (Coronal) Plane — divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) sections.
- Transverse (Horizontal) Plane — divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) sections.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Take the free quiz linked in the lecture description to test your knowledge on body planes.
- Review additional anatomy and physiology videos in the provided playlist.