Question

Why is it important to understand the different planes of dissection?

Answer 1

DISSECTION(Latin: to cut into pieces): It is the dismembering of the body of a deceased animal/plant/human to study its anatomical structure

PLANES: There are 3 principal planes which are used in human anatomy:

1. Sagittal Plane/Median Plane: It is parallel to Sagittal Suture and divides the body into right and left
2. Coronal Plane/Frontal Plane: It divides the body into anterior and posterior portions
3. Transverse Plane/Axial Plane: It divides the body into cranial and caudal portions

IMPORTANCE:

In Dissection:

• In humans, it is difficult to identify the structures as it is covered with skin, fat and have many blood vessels...etc so we use Surface Anatomy for the reference which are anatomical landmarks that are visible and easy to identify or palpate.
• As the dissection is carried out by using the Surface anatomy or Anatomical Landmarks which are visible or inside the body and we have to dissect a organ without damaging its structures by knowing its position with respect to body and other organs which is possible only if you know about anatomical Planes
• Example: for dissection of Thoracic cavity, we have to divide the Manubrium sterni transversely to open the thorax without any damage to internal organs.We can cut into other planes also but damages the internal organs we can dissect properly only if we know the panes

**ANATOMICAL PLANES are useful in Medical imaging,Motion of Joints.