Which plane is defined as a horizontal division of the body into upper and lower parts?

The axial plane is defined as a horizontal division of the body into upper and lower parts. This plane runs parallel to the ground and creates a cross-sectional view of the body, allowing for the separation of structures above and below it. In anatomical terms, this plane is often associated with imaging techniques like CT scans, where sections are viewed in slices from above or below.

The frontal plane, also known as the coronal plane, divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts, which is quite different from the horizontal separation provided by the axial plane. The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right sides, and while it can also be a useful plane for anatomical studies, it does not create the upper and lower divisions defined by the axial plane. Understanding the distinctions between these planes is fundamental in anatomy, particularly when studying human body structures and their spatial orientations.