Which term describes vertical planes that are parallel to the median sagittal plane?

• A. Midsagittal planes
• B. Coronal planes
• C. Parasagittal planes
• D. Planest at right angles to the sagittal plane

Answer: (C)

Understanding how anatomical planes are defined by their orientation to the sagittal plane clarifies this. Vertical planes that run parallel to the median sagittal plane but are offset from the midline are called parasagittal planes. The median sagittal (midsagittal) plane itself lies exactly along the body's midline, dividing left and right halves. Any plane that is parallel to that midline but not through it creates unequal left and right portions, hence parasagittal. By contrast, a plane that is perpendicular to the sagittal plane is a coronal (frontal) plane, which separates front from back. So the term for vertical planes parallel to the midline is parasagittal.