Which plane divides the body into the right and left sides?.
A.
Sagittal.
B.
Transverse.
C.
Frontal.
D.
Thoracic.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Sagittal.
Explanation:
The human body can be divided into sections or planes that are used to describe the locations or movements of body parts relative to each other. Understanding these planes is fundamental in anatomy, particularly when describing medical conditions, procedures, or physiological functions.
1. Sagittal Plane:
The sagittal plane is a vertical plane that divides the body into right and left sections. It runs parallel to the midline of the body. The sagittal plane can be further classified into:
- Midsagittal Plane (Median Plane): This is the specific sagittal plane that runs exactly along the midline, dividing the body into equal right and left halves.
- Parasagittal Plane: Any sagittal plane that is offset from the midline, dividing the body into unequal right and left sections.
The sagittal plane is crucial in understanding movements such as flexion and extension, which occur in this plane. For example, when you nod your head forward or backward, your head moves in the sagittal plane.
2. Transverse Plane:
The transverse plane (option B) divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections. It runs horizontally across the body, at any level from the head to the feet. This plane is often used in imaging techniques like CT scans.
3. Frontal Plane:
The frontal plane (option C), also known as the coronal plane, divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections. It runs vertically, perpendicular to the sagittal plane. Movements such as abduction and adduction of limbs occur within this plane.
4. Thoracic:
The thoracic (option D) does not refer to a plane but rather to a region of the body—the chest area. This region contains vital organs like the heart and lungs but does not describe a plane used to divide the body.
In summary, the sagittal plane is the anatomical plane that divides the body into right and left sides. This division is essential for understanding and describing body movements and positions in medical and anatomical contexts.