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1.4: Planes/Sections

  • Page ID
    53509
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    Planes/Sections

    Anatomical figures are shown in different planes/sections (two-dimensional views) such as the image of the thigh above. Medical imaging captures anatomy in specific planes/sections and microscopic anatomy requires that tissue is sectioned in a specific body plane to visualize microscopic structures. Additionally, medical staff discuss the planes/sections when discussing treatments and surgeries. The table below lists common anatomical planes/sections and describes each:

    Plane / Section Description Example
    horizontal / transverse / cross separate the body into superior and inferior parts clipboard_e0c7b42378a2a6508f98194c8a4698325.png
    frontal / coronal separate the body into anterior-posterior clipboard_e8147016ac168c7040690329db490e02f.png
    sagittal separate the body into right and left portions clipboard_ef3a6e03fbb3822df7f0427d75853d853.png
    midsagittal / median separate the body into equal right and left portions clipboard_ed89541168abb7dbdb90c22e7aa9cbad2.png
    parasagittal separate the body into unequal right and left portions
    oblique any plane other than at a 90° angle (right angle) clipboard_e41a39660568e75180fd38bdccc68a1f3.png

    Head with flat squares showing all the planes/sections.

    Attributions


    This page titled 1.4: Planes/Sections is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Rosanna Hartline.

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