What does the frontal plane divide the body into?

The frontal plane, also known as the coronal plane, divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) halves. This plane runs vertically from side to side, allowing for movements and observations in the front and back sections of the body. It is essential in the study of anatomy and kinesiology because it provides a clear reference for understanding body orientation and movement in relation to the body's structure.

Understanding how the frontal plane delineates the front from the back helps in exercises, rehabilitation, and the assessment of bodily movements. This distinction is foundational in fields like physical therapy, personal training, and sports science, where understanding human movement in terms of planes is crucial.

Other options describe different anatomical planes. For instance, the left and right halves refer to the sagittal plane, which divides the body longitudinally into two parts. The top and bottom halves pertain to the transverse plane, which slices the body horizontally. Lastly, saying anterior and posterior halves overlaps with the concept of the frontal plane but is less precise than the term “front and back halves,” making it clear that while related, the language matters in anatomical references.