Anatomical Body Sections and Planes Quiz
1. A plane that separates the body or structure into upper and lower parts is called a
a. sagittal plane
b. transverse plane
c. oblique plane
d. frontal plane
The answer is b, transverse plane. Remember that transverse planes travel “across” the body in a horizontal
direction, dividing it into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) parts. This is the only type of horizontal plane.
2. A plane that separates the body into a front (anterior) and back (posterior) part is called a
a. sagittal plane
b. transverse plane
c. oblique plane
d. frontal plane
The answer is d, frontal plane. Remember that anterior means toward the front. Frontal planes, also called
coronal planes, run vertically (top to bottom) and divide the body into anterior and posterior sections.
3. A plane that separates the body or structure into right and left parts down the body’s midline is called
a:
a. midsagittal plane
b. median plane
c. parasagittal plane
d. answers a and b
The answer is d, which includes answers a and b. A sagittal plane is any plane that runs vertically and separates
the body or structure into a right and left part. Sagittal planes that run down the exact midline of the body are
called midsagittal planes or median planes. You can remember this plane by visualizing the sagittal suture on th
skull. Parasagittal planes divide the body into uneven parts.
4. A plane that separates the body into parts that are neither perfectly vertical nor horizontal is called a
a. oblique plane
b. transverse plane
c. coronal plane
d. frontal plane
1. A plane that separates the body or structure into upper and lower parts is called a
a. sagittal plane
b. transverse plane
c. oblique plane
d. frontal plane
The answer is b, transverse plane. Remember that transverse planes travel “across” the body in a horizontal
direction, dividing it into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) parts. This is the only type of horizontal plane.
2. A plane that separates the body into a front (anterior) and back (posterior) part is called a
a. sagittal plane
b. transverse plane
c. oblique plane
d. frontal plane
The answer is d, frontal plane. Remember that anterior means toward the front. Frontal planes, also called
coronal planes, run vertically (top to bottom) and divide the body into anterior and posterior sections.
3. A plane that separates the body or structure into right and left parts down the body’s midline is called
a:
a. midsagittal plane
b. median plane
c. parasagittal plane
d. answers a and b
The answer is d, which includes answers a and b. A sagittal plane is any plane that runs vertically and separates
the body or structure into a right and left part. Sagittal planes that run down the exact midline of the body are
called midsagittal planes or median planes. You can remember this plane by visualizing the sagittal suture on th
skull. Parasagittal planes divide the body into uneven parts.
4. A plane that separates the body into parts that are neither perfectly vertical nor horizontal is called a
a. oblique plane
b. transverse plane
c. coronal plane
d. frontal plane
