Overview
This lecture covers the three major anatomical planes—frontal, sagittal, and transverse—used to interpret medical images, including their definitions and visual examples.
Anatomical Planes in Medical Imaging
- We live in a three-dimensional world, so medical images are taken from three main planes.
- The three anatomical planes are frontal (coronal), sagittal, and transverse (cross-sectional).
- These planes help categorize medical images by the direction and section of the body they display.
Frontal (Coronal) Plane
- The frontal (coronal) plane divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) halves.
- Frontal images appear as if you’re looking at the body from the front.
- Example: Frontal X-ray or CT scan shows structures from the front, like the vertebrae, pelvis, and femurs.
Sagittal Plane
- The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right halves.
- If the division is exactly in the middle, it is called the midsagittal plane; if off-center, it's a regular sagittal plane.
- Sagittal views are taken from the side—side view equals sagittal.
- Example: Sagittal CT scans or MRIs can show the spinal cord and organs from the side.
Transverse Plane
- The transverse plane cuts the body horizontally, dividing it into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.
- Transverse images usually do not resemble the body's overall outline.
- Example: Transverse cross-sections can show horizontal slices through the leg or brain.
Identifying Planes in Images
- Frontal: View from the front.
- Sagittal: View from the side; midsagittal includes the spinal cord in the center.
- Transverse: View from above or below; shows a horizontal slice.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Frontal (Coronal) Plane — divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) sections.
- Sagittal Plane — divides the body into left and right sections.
- Midsagittal Plane — a sagittal cut exactly in the middle.
- Transverse Plane — divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) parts.
- Cross-section — an image of the body sliced along one of these planes.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice identifying frontal, sagittal, and transverse planes in sample medical images.
- Review directional anatomical terms if needed.