Anatomical position is the standard body posture used as a reference, while sagittal, frontal and transverse planes divide the body into different sections. Together, they give you a consistent way to describe a structure’s location or interpret a view of the body.
In anatomy, the human body is divided into what three imaginary flat sections?
The three main types of imaginary planes are sagittal, frontal and transverse. Each plane is an imaginary flat surface that can pass through the body at different positions.
To picture them, begin in anatomical position: stand upright, look forward, place your arms at your sides with palms facing forward, and keep your feet flat and pointing forward. Descriptions use the body’s own left and right, not the viewer’s.
What are body planes in anatomy?
A sagittal plane runs vertically and divides the body into left and right portions. A midsagittal plane passes through the midline to create equal left and right halves; a parasagittal plane runs parallel to it and creates unequal portions.
A sagittal view can show structures along the body’s side, such as a profile view of the head. Remember that “sagittal” alone does not mean the two portions are equal.
What is the frontal plane in anatomy?
A frontal plane, also called a coronal plane, runs vertically and divides the body into anterior and posterior portions—that is, front and back portions. It does not necessarily divide them equally.
Imagine a flat pane passing from side to side through your shoulders. A frontal section of the torso can show structures in the left and right sides of the body in the same view.
The Complete Resource for Anatomy
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See Anatomy and Physiology I →What is the transverse plane in anatomy?
A transverse plane runs horizontally in anatomical position and divides the body into superior and inferior portions: upper and lower. It is also called a horizontal or axial plane.
Imagine a horizontal slice through the abdomen. A transverse image at that level shows a cross-section of structures there, rather than the entire body from head to foot.
What does anterior and posterior mean in anatomy?
Anterior means toward the front of the body, and posterior means toward the back. For example, the sternum is anterior to the heart, and the spine is posterior to the heart.
Other useful pairs are superior and inferior, meaning toward the head and toward the feet, and medial and lateral, meaning toward and away from the body’s midline. These terms describe positions relative to the body in anatomical position, even when a person is lying down.
For more examples, see anterior vs. posterior in anatomy.
How do you pass anatomy?
Practice using each term rather than memorizing a list alone. Sketch a person in anatomical position, draw each plane, and explain which portions it creates. Then describe one structure relative to another, such as the heart being posterior to the sternum.
Check your understanding against diagrams and images from different views. If remembering the terms is difficult, try the examples in anatomy mnemonics that help.
UPI Study’s Anatomy and Physiology I course includes anatomical terminology in its opening chapter. The table shows that chapter and the next five chapters.
| # | Chapter | Lessons | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | An Introduction to the Human Body | Overview of Anatomy and Physiology; Structural Organization of the Human Body; Functions of Human Life; Requirements for Human Life | 3 |
| 2 | The Chemical Level of Organization | Elements and Atoms: The Building Blocks of Matter; Chemical Bonds; Chemical Reactions; Inorganic Compounds Essential to Human Functioning | 2 |
| 3 | The Cellular Level of Organization | The Cell Membrane; The Cytoplasm and Cellular Organelles; The Nucleus and DNA Replication; Protein Synthesis | 3 |
| 4 | The Tissue Level of Organization | Types of Tissues; Epithelial Tissue; Connective Tissue Supports and Protects; Muscle Tissue and Motion | 3 |
| 5 | The Integumentary System | Layers of the Skin; Accessory Structures of the Skin; Functions of the Integumentary System; Diseases, Disorders, and Injuries of the Integumentary System | 2 |
| 6 | Bone Tissue and the Skeletal System | The Functions of the Skeletal System; Bone Classification; Bone Structure; Bone Formation and Development | 3 |
Which colleges list Anatomy and Physiology I on an equivalency chart?
These colleges show Anatomy and Physiology I (Biology 211) on their equivalency charts with UPI Study. Open a college for its full chart.
| College | Equivalent course | Credits | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSU | EMS 2301 – Anatomy and Physiology for EMS I | 3 | Recommended by UPI Study — the college confirms on evaluation |
| Crestpoint | General Education – Natural Science | 3 | Recommended by UPI Study — the college confirms on evaluation |
| Dunlap-Stone | General Education Science | 3 | Recommended by UPI Study — the college confirms on evaluation |
| Gracelyn | General education: Broad Knowledge and Intellectual Skills (Sciences) | 3 | Recommended by UPI Study — the college confirms on evaluation |
| Indiana Tech | BIO 2710 – Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 | Recommended by UPI Study — the college confirms on evaluation |
| Maestro | UPI Recommended | 3 | Recommended by UPI Study — the college confirms on evaluation |
| Newlane | Scientific Reasoning GE | 3 | Recommended by UPI Study — the college confirms on evaluation |
| Nexford | Natural and Physical Science Elective (Gen Ed) | 3 | Recommended by UPI Study — the college confirms on evaluation |
See the rest of the equivalency on the Anatomy and Physiology I course page, or open a college above for its full chart. ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anatomy
Anterior means toward the front of the body. The sternum, for example, is anterior to the heart.
Posterior means toward the back of the body. The spine is posterior to the heart.
Superior means toward the head, while inferior means toward the feet. The chest is superior to the abdomen, and the abdomen is inferior to the chest.
The transverse plane divides the body into upper and lower portions. It is horizontal when the body is in anatomical position.
The frontal, or coronal, plane divides the body into front and back portions. It runs vertically in anatomical position.
Anatomy studies body structures, while physiology studies how those structures function. For example, anatomy describes the heart’s chambers, and physiology explains how the heart pumps blood.
Practice identifying structures on the kinds of diagrams, models or specimens used in your class. Explain each structure’s location using directional terms, and check your answers against your course materials.
Final Thoughts on Anatomy
Start by drawing the three planes on a simple body outline. Then use anterior, posterior, superior and inferior to describe where a few familiar structures lie.
The way this actually clicks
Skip step 3 and the whole thing is wasted.
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