What is the sagittal plane?

The sagittal plane refers to a vertical plane that divides the body into left and right sections. This plane runs parallel to the midline of the body, which allows for the evaluation and examination of bodily structures relative to this left-right division.

When considering the sagittal plane, it’s essential to understand that it can be further categorized into the midsagittal (or median) plane, which divides the body into equal left and right halves, and parasagittal planes, which create unequal sections. However, the primary function of the sagittal plane is to separate the body into those left and right sections, creating a clear distinction for anatomical and clinical purposes, thus making the identification of structures and their relationships easier.