Overview
This lecture reviews the three anatomical planes, their corresponding axes, and the types of body movements associated with each, providing practical examples for better understanding in kinesiology.
Anatomical Planes
- The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right parts.
- The coronal (frontal) plane divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.
- The transverse (horizontal) plane divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.
- Planes can be further specified as midsagittal (equal halves) or parasagittal (unequal parts).
Axes of Movement
- Each plane has a corresponding axis that runs perpendicular to it.
- The sagittal plane has a lateral-to-medial axis.
- The coronal plane has an anterior-to-posterior axis.
- The transverse plane has a superior-to-inferior axis.
Body Movements by Plane and Axis
- Movements in the sagittal plane (lateral-to-medial axis): flexion and extension (e.g., walking, head nodding, elbow bending).
- Movements in the coronal plane (anterior-to-posterior axis): lateral flexion, abduction (A B duction), and adduction (A D duction).
- Movements in the transverse plane (superior-to-inferior axis): rotation, including internal/external or medial/lateral rotation.
Practical Analogies and Examples
- A clock face represents a plane, while the center pin represents the axis (always perpendicular).
- Putting a clock on the chest = coronal plane; movement is lateral flexion.
- Putting a clock on the side of the shoulder = sagittal plane; movement is flexion and extension.
- Standing on a clock or placing it on the head = transverse plane; movement is rotation.
- Cutting a cake in different planes simulates the anatomical planes and resulting parts.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Sagittal Plane — Divides body into left and right sections.
- Coronal (Frontal) Plane — Divides body into front and back sections.
- Transverse (Horizontal) Plane — Divides body into top and bottom sections.
- Axis — The line perpendicular to a plane, around which movement occurs.
- Flexion/Extension — Bending/straightening movements in the sagittal plane.
- Abduction (A B duction)/Adduction (A D duction) — Movement away from/toward the midline in the coronal plane.
- Lateral Flexion — Side bending in the coronal plane.
- Rotation — Circular movement around the longitudinal axis in the transverse plane.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice drawing and labeling the three planes, axes, and corresponding movements in a chart.
- Pause the lecture and replicate the examples physically or as diagrams.
- Review textbook chapters on anatomical planes and axes for reinforcement.