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The sagittal plane (; also known as the longitudinal plane) is an
anatomical plane 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 latera ...
that divides the body into right and left sections. It is perpendicular to the
transverse Transverse may refer to: *Transverse engine, an engine in which the crankshaft is oriented side-to-side relative to the wheels of the vehicle * Transverse flute, a flute that is held horizontally * Transverse force (or ''Euler force''), the tange ...
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.


Variations in terminology

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. This plane cuts the body into halves (assuming bilateral symmetry), passing through midline structures such as the
navel The navel (clinically known as the umbilicus, commonly known as the belly button or tummy button) is a protruding, flat, or hollowed area on the abdomen at the attachment site of the umbilical cord. All placental mammals have a navel, altho ...
and
spine Spine or spinal may refer to: Science Biology * Vertebral column, also known as the backbone * Dendritic spine, a small membranous protrusion from a neuron's dendrite * Thorns, spines, and prickles, needle-like structures in plants * Spine (zoolo ...
. It is one of the planes which, combined with the
Umbilical plane The transumbilical plane or umbilical plane, one of the transverse planes in human anatomy, is a horizontal line that passes through the abdomen at the level of the navel (or umbilicus). In physical examination, clinicians use the transumbilical p ...
, defines the four quadrants of the human abdomen. * The term ''parasagittal'' is used to describe any plane parallel or adjacent to a given sagittal plane. Specific named parasagittal planes include: ** The midclavicular line crosses through the clavicle. ** Lateral sternal'' and ''parasternal'' planes. The term ''sagittal'' is derived from the
Latin Latin (, or , ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic languages, Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally a dialect spoken in the lower Tiber area (then known as Latium) around present-day Rome, but through ...
word '' sagitta'', meaning "arrow". An image of an arrow piercing a body and passing from front (anterior) to back (posterior) on a parabolic trajectory would be one way to demonstrate the derivation of the term. Another explanation would be the notching of the sagittal suture posteriorly by the lambdoidal suture —similar to feathers on an arrow. * ''Sagittal axis'' or ''anterior-posterior axis'' is the axis perpendicular to the coronal plane, i.e., the one formed by the intersection of the sagittal and the transversal planes * ''Coronal axis'', ''medial-lateral axis'', or ''frontal axis'' is the axis perpendicular to the sagittal plane, i.e., the one formed by the intersection of the coronal and the transversal planes. * ''
Extension Extension, extend or extended may refer to: Mathematics Logic or set theory * Axiom of extensionality * Extensible cardinal * Extension (model theory) * Extension (predicate logic), the set of tuples of values that satisfy the predicate * Ext ...
'' and '' flexion'' are the movements of limbs within the sagittal plane. * ''
Abduction Abduction may refer to: Media Film and television * "Abduction" (''The Outer Limits''), a 2001 television episode * " Abduction" (''Death Note'') a Japanese animation television series * " Abductions" (''Totally Spies!''), a 2002 episode of an ...
'' and '' adduction'' are terms for movements of limbs within the
coronal plane The coronal plane (also known as the frontal plane) is an anatomical plane that divides the body into dorsal and ventral sections. It is perpendicular to the sagittal and transverse planes. Details The coronal plane is an example of a longitud ...
. * Sagittal plane movements include flexion, extension, and hyperextension, as well as dorsiflexion and plantar flexion.Kinematic Concepts for Analyzing Human Motion. In: Hall SJ. eds. ''Basic Biomechanics, 7e''. McGraw-Hill; Accessed January 25, 2021. https://accessphysiotherapy-mhmedical-com.libaccess.lib.mcmaster.ca/content.aspx?bookid=1586§ionid=99981270


Additional images

File:Blausen 0104 Brain x-secs SectionalPlanes.png, Sectional planes of the brain File:Coronal and sagittal views of identical twins.png, Identical twins at a gestational age of 15 weeks, shown in coronal and sagittal plane, respectively File:Brain Anatomy (Sagittal).png, Brain anatomy (sagittal)


See also

*
Anatomical terms of location 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 p ...
*
Coronal plane The coronal plane (also known as the frontal plane) is an anatomical plane that divides the body into dorsal and ventral sections. It is perpendicular to the sagittal and transverse planes. Details The coronal plane is an example of a longitud ...
* Transverse plane


References

{{Authority control Anatomical planes