Overview
This lecture explains the anatomical position and the major body planes and sections used to describe anatomical structures, including memory tricks for remembering them.
Anatomical Position
- The anatomical position is the standard body orientation for describing anatomy.
- The body is upright, head and eyes forward, arms at the side with palms facing forward, and feet flat and together.
- "Right" and "left" always refer to the subject’s own right and left.
Body Planes and Sections
- Body planes are imaginary lines dividing the body to describe locations or directions.
- A plane is the imaginary cut; a section is the portion created by the cut.
Major Body Planes
- The three main planes can be remembered by "SCT": Sagittal, Coronal, Transverse.
Sagittal Plane
- The sagittal plane runs vertically from front to back, dividing the body into right and left portions.
- The mid-sagittal (median) plane divides the body into equal right and left halves.
- A parasagittal plane is off-center, dividing into unequal right and left parts.
- Sagittal gives a side view.
Coronal (Frontal) Plane
- The coronal plane runs vertically from side to side, dividing the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) portions.
- Coronal gives a front view.
Transverse (Horizontal/Axial) Plane
- The transverse plane runs horizontally, dividing the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) parts.
- Transverse gives a top view.
Other Planes
- Longitudinal planes run vertically and include both sagittal and coronal planes; perpendicular to transverse.
- Oblique planes run at any angle that is not perfectly vertical or horizontal.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Anatomical Position — Standard reference posture for anatomy with body upright, palms forward.
- Plane — Imaginary line used to cut or divide the body for anatomical study.
- Section — The portion of the body created by a cut along a plane.
- Sagittal Plane — Divides body into right and left sections (vertical, front to back).
- Mid-sagittal (Median) Plane — Divides body into equal right and left halves.
- Parasagittal Plane — Parallel to the midsagittal, divides body into unequal right and left.
- Coronal (Frontal) Plane — Divides body into front and back sections (vertical, side to side).
- Transverse (Horizontal/Axial) Plane — Divides body into upper and lower sections (horizontal).
- Longitudinal Plane — Any plane perpendicular to the transverse plane; vertical.
- Oblique Plane — Divides body at an angle, neither parallel nor perpendicular to main planes.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Watch the next video on anatomy directional terms for further application.
- Review these notes and diagrams to reinforce understanding of body planes and sections.