Anatomy and Physiology: Body Planes and Sections

Introduction

• Body planes are imaginary flat surfaces that divide the body into sections.
• Essential for understanding medical imaging and anatomy.
• Acronym SOFT helps remember the four major body planes:
  • Sagittal
  • Oblique
  • Frontal
  • Transverse

Types of Body Planes

Sagittal Plane

• Direction: Runs vertically (top to bottom)
• Division: Divides the body into left and right portions.
• Example: Sagittal suture on the skull.
• Subtypes:
  • Mid-sagittal (Median) Plane: Perfectly divides the body down the midline.
  • Parasagittal Plane: Does not run perfectly down the midline.

Oblique Plane

• Direction: Any angle other than horizontal or vertical.
• Description: Not parallel or at a right angle.
• Mnemonic: "Obliques are odd".
• Related Anatomy: Oblique muscles are angled and lateral to abdominal muscles.

Transverse Plane

• Direction: Runs horizontally.
• Division: Divides the body into top (superior) and bottom (inferior) halves.
• Mnemonic:
  • "Trans" means across (e.g., transatlantic).
  • Think of the horizon (horizontal boundary).

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

• Direction: Runs vertically (top to bottom).
• Division: Divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) sections.
• Mnemonic: "Frontal" leaves front and back sections.

Recap Questions

• Transverse/Horizonal Plane: Divides body into upper and lower portions (think across, horizon).
• Sagittal Plane: Divides body into left and right (think sagittal suture).
  • Mid-sagittal: Perfect midline.
  • Parasagittal: Off-center.
• Frontal/Coronal Plane: Divides body into front and back.
• Oblique Plane: Any odd angle.

Additional Resources

• Free quiz link in the description to test knowledge.
• More anatomy and physiology videos: available in the playlist.

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This concludes the notes on body planes in anatomy and physiology. These concepts are foundational for interpreting imaging and understanding body structure orientations.