What does the sagittal plane divide?

The sagittal plane is a critical concept in anatomy, as it divides the body into left and right parts. This plane runs vertically from front to back and can be positioned in various ways—specifically down the midline of the body, which would create equal left and right halves. Understanding this anatomical division is essential for analyzing movement and orientation in the body, particularly in the fields of sports medicine and physical therapy.

Other planes mentioned in the options refer to different anatomical divisions. For instance, the horizontal plane separates the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) sections, while the frontal or coronal plane divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) sections. The term "core and extremities" does not correspond to any standard anatomical plane but rather describes body regions. Therefore, recognizing the sagittal plane is crucial for anyone studying body mechanics, as it lays the groundwork for understanding how movements occur in a left-right context.