ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Which plane divides the body into front and back halves?

1. Sagittal Plane

2. Transverse Plane

3. Frontal Plane

4. Coronal Plane

The correct answer is: Frontal Plane

The plane that divides the body into front and back halves is known as the frontal plane, also referred to as the coronal plane. This anatomical plane runs vertically, creating a division that separates the anterior (front) portion of the body from the posterior (back) portion. Understanding the functions of the various planes in anatomy is crucial, as it helps in visualizing and describing the positions and movements of body parts. For example, in exercises like jumping jacks, the movement takes place in the frontal plane as the arms and legs move away from and back toward the midline of the body. The other planes mentioned serve different purposes; the sagittal plane divides the body into left and right sections, while the transverse plane separates the body into upper and lower parts. Recognizing these distinctions allows for a better understanding of body mechanics and movement patterns.