What is the sagittal plane?

The sagittal plane is defined as a vertical division of the body into right and left portions. This plane runs parallel to the body's midline, which is an imaginary line that divides the body into equal right and left halves. Movements that occur in the sagittal plane include flexion and extension, such as when performing a bicep curl or a squat. Understanding the sagittal plane is crucial in functional anatomy as it describes how different body segments move in relation to each other, particularly in exercises and activities that involve forward and backward motion. The clear demarcation of body parts into right and left sections is vital for analyzing movement patterns and understanding body mechanics.