Sagittal Plane - Terminology

Terminology

The term sagittal is derived from the Latin word Sagitta, meaning "arrow". An image of an arrow piercing a body and passing from front (anterior) to back (posterior) on a parabolic trajectory would be one way to demonstrate the derivation of the term. Another explanation would be the notching of the sagittal suture posteriorly by the lambdoidal suture —similar to feathers on an arrow.

• Sagittal axis is the axis perpendicular to the sagittal plane, i.e., the sagittal axis is formed by the intersection of the coronal and the transversal planes.

• Coronal axis or frontal axis is the axis perpendicular to the coronal plane, i.e., the one formed by the intersection of the sagittal and the transversal planes.

• Extension and flexion are the movements of limbs relative to the sagittal plane.

• Abduction and adduction are terms for movements of limbs relative to the coronal plane (also known as the frontal plane).