Final Planes and Axis of Rotation

Anteroposterior axis (sagittal axis)

Runs from front to back perpendicular to frontal plane of motion

- abduction, adduction

Sagittal or Anteroposterior Plane

Divides the body into equal, bilateral segments

Frontal or Lateral Plane

Divides the body into front and back (anterior and posterior) halves

High diagonal

Upper limbs at shoulder joints
- Overhand skills

Low diagonal (upper)

Upper limbs at shoulder joints
- Upperhand skills

Low diagonal (lower)

Lower limbs at hip joints
- kicking

Mediolateral axis (frontal/transverse axis)

Runs from side to side perpendicular to sagittal plane of motion
- flexion, extension

Transverse or Horizontal Plane

Divides body into top and bottom (superior and inferior) halves when the individual is in anatomic position

Longitudinal axis (vertical axis)

Runs perpendicular to transverse plane of motion
- internal rotation, external rotation