Skip to content

Planes of Section

Planes of section are standard reference planes used to describe how a body or skeletal structure may be divided. Common planes include sagittal, coronal or frontal, and transverse planes.

Planes make comparison more consistent. They help students describe cross-sections, orientation, and structural relationships without changing the frame of reference.

  • Identify whether the comparison is left-right, front-back, or upper-lower.
  • Use the same plane when comparing two structures.
  • Avoid mixing planes when describing one object.

Use this term when asking students to compare images, diagrams, or sections of skeletal structures.

Public sources will be added as this entry is reviewed and expanded.

This entry explains terminology and observable features for teaching and documentation. It does not provide specimen preparation, biological material handling, acquisition guidance, or species/individual identification procedures.