Frontal plane

Definition

The frontal plane is a vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections. It is also known as the coronal plane.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The frontal plane runs perpendicular to both the sagittal and transverse planes.
2. Movements such as abduction and adduction of limbs occur along the frontal plane.
3. It is essential in imaging techniques like MRIs and CT scans for viewing certain anatomical structures.
4. The frontal plane helps in understanding how animals balance their bodies during movement.
5. In terms of anatomy, it aids in identifying the placement of organs relative to the front and back of the body.

Review Questions

• What type of movements occur along the frontal plane?
• How does the frontal plane differ from the sagittal and transverse planes?
• Why is the frontal plane important in medical imaging?

Related terms

sagittal_plane: A vertical plane that divides the body into left and right sections.

transverse_plane: A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

abduction: Movement away from the midline of the body, typically occurring along the frontal plane.