Planes and Axes of the Body

Flashcards covering the planes and axes of movement in the body.

Plane (Anatomy)

An imaginary line that splits the body in two and depicts the range of movement.

Axis (Anatomy)

An imaginary line that runs through the body around which rotation is possible.

Frontal Plane

Divides the body into a front and back half.

Sagittal Axis

Axis that runs through the belly button from front to back.

Movements in the Frontal Plane

Abduction and adduction, with rotation around the sagittal axis.

Transverse Plane

Divides the body into an upper and lower half.

Longitudinal Axis

Axis that runs through the body vertically from head to toe.

Movements in the Transverse Plane

Rotation of the body in an upright position.