The main difference between sagittal and midsagittal is that the sagittal plane is an anatomical plane that divides the body into left and right halves, whereas the midsagittal plane is a type of sagittal plane that runs through the midline.
Sagittal and midsagittal planes are two anatomical planes. The longitudinal plane is another name for the sagittal plane, while the median plane is another name for the midsagittal plane.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is a Sagittal Plane
– Definition, Facts, Features
2. What is a Midsagittal Plane
– Definition, Facts, Features
3. Similarities Between Sagittal and Midsagittal Planes
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Sagittal and Midsagittal
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Sagittal and Midsagittal Planes
– Answers to frequently asked questions
Key Terms
Longitudinal Plane, Median Plane, Midsagittal, Sagittal
What is a Sagittal Plane
The sagittal plane or longitudinal plane is an anatomical plane that divides the body into left and right sections. Transverse and coronal planes occur perpendicular to the sagittal plane. Midsagittal and parasagittal planes are the two types of sagittal planes. The midsagittal plane divides the body into left and right sections through the center of the body. On the other hand, the parasagittal plane does not divide the body into left and right sides through the center. It divides it into unequal sections. Therefore, it is parallel to the midsagittal plane. Examples of parasagittal planes include the midclavicular line, which crosses through the clavicle, lateral sternal, and parasternal planes.
Figure 1: Sagittal Plane – View of the Skull
Furthermore, flexion and extension are two movements of limbs within the sagittal plane. Flexion of the elbow, which decreases the angle between the ulnar and the humerus, is a general example of flexion. Dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, and lateral flexion are special movements in flexion. Dorsiflexion is backward bending. The bending of the hand or foot is an example of dorsiflexion. Plantar flexion is the forward bending of the hand or foot. Lateral flexion is bending to the side. The bending of the neck, either to the left or right side, is an example of lateral flexion.
Moreover, extension refers to the process of straightening, which increases the angle between two body parts. Knees are extended when standing up. Most extensions lead to movements in the posterior direction. For example, the extension of the shoulder or hip moves the arm or leg backward. The abnormal motion of extension is called hyperextension. Hyperextension increases the stress on the ligaments of the joints, causing injuries.
What is a Midsagittal Plane
The midsagittal plane or median plane is the sagittal plane that runs through the midline of the body. Also, it divides the body into left and right sections. Importantly, it allows the assumption of the bilateral symmetry of the body. Additionally, it passes through the midline structures such as the navel and spine.
Figure 2: Mid-Sagittal Plane
Similarities Between Sagittal and Midsagittal Planes
- The sagittal and midsagittal planes are two anatomical planes that occur in the body.
- They divide the body into left and right sections.
Difference Between Sagittal and Midsagittal
Definition
Sagittal refers to a plane parallel to the sagittal suture, especially that divides the body into left and right halves, while midsagittal refers to the median vertical longitudinal plane that divides a bilaterally symmetrical animal into right and left halves.
Other Names
The longitudinal plane is another name for the sagittal plane, while the median plane is another name for the midsagittal plane.
Function
The sagittal plane is an anatomical plane that divides the body into left and right sections, while the midsagittal plane is a type of sagittal plane that runs through the midline.
FAQ: Sagittal and Midsagittal Planes
What is another word for midsagittal?
The median plane is another name for the mid-sagittal plane.
What is the midsagittal view of brain anatomy?
Four cortical regions are visible in the midsagittal view. They are the frontal lobe, occipital lobe, temporal lobe, and parietal lobe.
Figure 2: Four Lobes
Does a midsagittal pass through the heart?
Yes. The midsagittal plane passes through the middle of the body. Therefore, it passes through the heart.
Conclusion
In brief, the sagittal and midsagittal planes are two anatomical planes that divide the body into different sections. Both planes are longitudinal. The midsagittal or longitudinal plane divides the body into left and right sections. In comparison, the midsagittal plane or median plane divides the body into left and right sides through the midline. Therefore, the main difference between sagittal and midsagittal plane is the type of anatomical plane.
References:
- Wikimedia Foundation. (2023, December 24). Sagittal plane. Wikipedia.
- Wikimedia Foundation. (2023a, November 3). Median plane. Wikipedia.
Image Courtesy:
- “View of a Skull III” By Hohum – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
- “Human anatomy planes, labeled” By العربيَّة (CC BY SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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