Foundational Anatomical Terminology:
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Anatomical Planes

Anatomical descriptions are based on three planes, referred to as anatomical planes, that intersect the body in the anatomical position.

Tap on each term to show/hide the definition:

• Transverse planes

Transverse planes are planes passing through the body at right angles to the sagittal and coronal planes. A transverse plane divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

• Sagittal planes

Sagittal planes are vertical planes passing longitudinally through the body, dividing the body into right and left parts.

• Coronal planes

Coronal planes are vertical planes passing through the body as right angles to the sagittal plane, dividing the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Viewing anatomical planes on VH Dissector

VH Dissector displays the sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes in the Cross Sections panel.

Tap on each term listed below to visualize the plane in the 3D panel, and view that plane in the Cross Sections panel:

• Transverse plane
• Sagittal plane
• Coronal plane