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Ch. 1 The Human Body: An Orientation
Chapter 1, Problem 12

Define plane and section.

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Understand that in anatomy, a 'plane' refers to an imaginary flat surface that divides the body into different sections.
Recognize that there are three primary planes used in anatomical studies: sagittal, coronal (frontal), and transverse (horizontal).
The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right parts. If it divides the body into equal halves, it is called the midsagittal or median plane.
The coronal plane divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.
The transverse plane divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts. Sections are the actual cuts or slices made along these planes to study internal structures.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Plane

In geometry, a plane is a flat, two-dimensional surface that extends infinitely in all directions. It is defined by three non-collinear points or can be described using a linear equation in two variables. Planes are fundamental in various fields, including mathematics, physics, and engineering, as they help in visualizing and solving problems related to shapes and spatial relationships.
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Section

A section refers to the result of cutting through a three-dimensional object with a plane, creating a two-dimensional representation of the object's interior. This concept is crucial in fields like architecture and engineering, where understanding the internal structure of an object is necessary for design and analysis. Sections can reveal important features that are not visible from the outside.
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Intersection of Plane and Section

The intersection of a plane and a section is the line or curve formed where the plane cuts through the three-dimensional object. This intersection is significant in understanding how different shapes interact in space and is often used in technical drawings and models to illustrate complex geometries. Analyzing these intersections helps in visualizing and solving real-world problems in design and construction.
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