Body Sections or Planes

cut a banana

sagittal section

longitudinal cut that divides the body into equal right and left positions

mid-saggital section

divides the body into equal left and right portions

parasagittal section

sagittal section lateral to midline; divides body into unequal left and right portions

transverse or horizontal section

divides body into superior and inferior portions

frontal or coronal section

longitudinal cut that divides body into anterior and posterior portions

if a midsagittal cut were made through a person which organs would be visable

• brain

• liver

• stomach

• spinal cord

if a transverse cut were made through a person right at the chest, what organs would be visable

• lungs

• heart

• blood vessels

• ribs