Imaging planes are imaginary two-dimensional surfaces that divide the body into different sections. They are used to describe the location and movement of anatomical structures, as well as to perform imaging investigations such as MRI scans. There are three commonly used imaging planes: axial, coronal, and sagittal. But where do these terms come from and what do they mean?
Axial Plane
The axial plane, also known as the transverse plane, is a horizontal plane that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections. The term “axial” comes from the Latin word “axis”, meaning “axle” or “pivot”. The axial plane is named so because it is perpendicular to the long axis of the body.
Coronal Plane
The coronal plane, also known as the frontal plane, is a vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections. The term “coronal” comes from the Latin word “corona”, meaning “crown” or “garland”. The coronal plane is named so because it resembles a crown when viewed from above, and also because it runs parallel to the coronal suture, the line that marks where the left and right halves of the skull grew together.
Sagittal Plane
The sagittal plane, also known as the median plane, is a vertical plane that divides the body into right and left parts. The term “sagittal” comes from the Latin word “sagitta”, meaning “arrow”. The sagittal plane is named so because it goes through or is parallel to the sagittal suture, the line that runs along the top of the skull and looks like an arrow when viewed from the front.
Image Credits: David Richfield and Mikael Häggström, M.D. Author info – Reusing images- Conflicts of interest: NoneMikael Häggström, M.D., CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
