FRONTAL PLANE Meaning and
Definition
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The frontal plane, also known as the coronal plane, is an anatomical term used in biology and medicine to describe one of the three main planes of human and animal body movement. It is a vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections, creating a side-to-side division. The frontal plane is perpendicular to both the sagittal and transverse planes.
In terms of body movement, the frontal plane allows for abduction and adduction of body parts. Abduction refers to the movement of a body part away from the midline of the body, while adduction involves bringing the body part back toward the midline. For instance, if you were to raise your arm sideways away from your body, it would be abduction in the frontal plane. Conversely, if you brought it back to your side, it would be adduction in the frontal plane.
The frontal plane is crucial for understanding various anatomical structures and physiological processes. It is used extensively in disciplines such as kinesiology, biomechanics, and physical therapy, as well as in the study and diagnosis of medical conditions. Understanding the frontal plane helps healthcare professionals visualize body movements, interpret imaging studies, and plan surgical interventions. It is a fundamental concept in the field of human and animal anatomy that aids in comprehending the complexity of motion and positioning within the body.
Etymology of FRONTAL PLANE
The word "frontal" comes from the Latin word "frons, frontis" which means "forehead" or "face". In anatomy, it refers to the front or anterior part of the body. The word "plane" has its origins in the Latin word "planus" which means "flat" or "level". Therefore, the term "frontal plane" in anatomy refers to a flat or level imaginary plane that divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) portions.
