The transverse plane (also known as the horizontal plane, axial plane and transaxial plane) is an anatomical plane that divides the body into superior and inferior sections. It is perpendicular to the coronal and sagittal planes. Transverse thoracic plane Xiphosternal plane (or xiphosternal junction) Transpyloric plane Subcostal plane Umbilical plane (or transumbilical plane) Supracristal plane Intertubercular plane (or transtubercular plane) Interspinous plane The transverse thoracic plane Plane through T4 & T5 vertebral junction and sternal angle of Louis.
The sagittal plane (ˈsædʒɪtəl; also known as the longitudinal plane) is an anatomical plane that divides the body into right and left sections. It is perpendicular to the transverse and coronal planes. The plane may be in the center of the body and divide it into two equal parts (mid-sagittal), or away from the midline and divide it into unequal parts (para-sagittal). The term sagittal was coined by Gerard of Cremona. Examples of sagittal planes include: The terms median plane or mid-sagittal plane are sometimes used to describe the sagittal plane running through the midline.
An anatomical plane is a hypothetical plane used to transect the body, in order to describe the location of structures or the direction of movements. In human and animal anatomy, three principal planes are used: The sagittal plane or lateral plane (longitudinal, anteroposterior) is a plane parallel to the sagittal suture. It divides the body into left and right. The coronal plane or frontal plane (vertical) divides the body into dorsal and ventral (back and front, or posterior and anterior) portions.
Standard anatomical terms of location are used to unambiguously describe the anatomy of animals, including humans. The terms, typically derived from Latin or Greek roots, describe something in its standard anatomical position. This position provides a definition of what is at the front ("anterior"), behind ("posterior") and so on. As part of defining and describing terms, the body is described through the use of anatomical planes and anatomical axes. The meaning of terms that are used can change depending on whether an organism is bipedal or quadrupedal.
