Anatomy & Physiology I and II

Anatomy & Physiology Study Guide

1.2 Sectional Anatomy Understanding the relationships among the parts of a three-dimensional object often requires the observer to dissect it and look at the internal organization. Electronic imaging techniques enable viewing inside the living body without dissection. Radiologists and other medical professionals interpret medical scans and analyze views of the body.

©2018 Achieve Test Prep Page 15 of 367 Planes and Sections The body is comprised of three dimensional objects. Any part of a three-dimensional object can be viewed internally by “slicing” it, revealing a single aspect or plane. Each three-dimensional object, by definition, has three planes. A radiological image shows the view of a slice along one of these planes. Entire organs can be reconstructed in imaging by bringing together multiple slices or views. The transverse plane lies at right angles to the long axis of the body, dividing it into superior and inferior portions. This cut is called a transverse section or cross section. The frontal plane (or coronal plane ) and the sagittal plane are parallel to the long axis of the body. The frontal plane begins on one side and extends to the other. A slice in this plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions. The sagittal plane runs front to back and divides the body into left and right portions. A midline slice divides the body into left and right halves and is called a midsagittal section or median