Overview
This lecture explains the three anatomical planes (sagittal, frontal, and transverse) used to describe human movement, with examples from sports and exercise.
Anatomical Position & Importance
- The anatomical standing position is the body facing forward, palms forward, and feet slightly outward.
- Movements are described based on deviation from this neutral anatomical position.
Sagittal Plane
- The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right halves.
- Movements along the sagittal plane include flexion (bending) and extension (straightening).
- Examples: flexing and extending the elbow, plantar flexion (pointing toes down), and dorsiflexion (lifting toes up).
- Sports examples: running, somersaulting, and kicking.
Frontal Plane
- The frontal plane divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) sections, running from side to side.
- Movements along the frontal plane include abduction (moving away from midline) and adduction (moving toward midline).
- Examples: raising arms or legs sideways.
- Sports examples: star jump, cartwheel, and diving save in goalkeeping.
Transverse Plane
- The transverse plane divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) parts.
- Movements along the transverse plane include rotation, horizontal flexion, and horizontal extension.
- Examples: spinning, rotating the body, and hook shots in boxing.
- Sports examples: spinning in discus throw, rotational movements in sports.
Combined Movements & Plane Interaction
- Most sports movements involve a combination of planes rather than strictly one.
- Example: an arm moving out during a somersault involves both sagittal and frontal planes.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Anatomical Position — Standard reference position: body upright, facing forward, palms forward.
- Plane — An imaginary flat surface dividing the body to describe movement direction.
- Sagittal Plane — Divides body into right and left; flexion/extension occur here.
- Frontal Plane — Divides body into front and back; abduction/adduction occur here.
- Transverse Plane — Divides body into top and bottom; rotation/horizontal movements occur here.
- Flexion — Decreasing joint angle.
- Extension — Increasing joint angle.
- Abduction — Moving limb away from midline.
- Adduction — Moving limb toward midline.
- Plantar Flexion — Pointing toes downward.
- Dorsiflexion — Lifting toes upward.
- Horizontal Flexion/Extension — Moving limbs in the horizontal plane.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review provided images and practice identifying movements and their planes in various sports.
- Memorize plane names, spellings (sagittal: one g, two t’s), and associated movements.