What plane divides the body into front and back halves?

The coronal plane, also known as the frontal plane, is the anatomical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) halves. This division is crucial in various medical and anatomical contexts, such as understanding the orientation of structures within the body during examinations or imaging techniques.

To visualize the coronal plane, think of a vertical slice through the body that runs from side to side, allowing for the separation of the front portion, which includes structures like the chest and face, from the back portion, including the spine and buttocks. This is distinctly different from the other planes: the transverse plane divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts, while the sagittal plane runs vertically but divides the body into left and right sections. The horizontal plane, often synonymous with the transverse plane, also distinguishes upper and lower sections but does not address the division into front and back. Understanding these planes is essential for accurately describing locations and directions within the human body.