Planes and Axes of Movement

The human body's movement can be understood through three distinct planes and their corresponding axes. The sagittal plane divides the body vertically into left and right sides, working with the frontal axis to enable flexion and extension movements. The frontal plane separates the front and back of the body vertically, operating with the sagittal axis for abduction and adduction movements. The transverse plane divides the body horizontally into upper and lower portions, working with the vertical axis for rotational movements.

Definition: A plane is an imaginary flat surface that divides the body into different sections, while an axis is the line around which rotation occurs.

Example: In gymnastics, a back somersault occurs in the sagittal plane around the frontal axis, demonstrating flexion and extension movements.

Vocabulary:

• Flexion: Bending movement that decreases the angle between body parts
• Extension: Straightening movement that increases the angle between body parts
• Abduction: Movement away from the body's midline
• Adduction: Movement toward the body's midline

Highlight: Each plane and axis combination allows for specific types of movement:

• Sagittal plane/frontal axis: Somersaults
• Frontal plane/sagittal axis: Cartwheels
• Transverse plane/vertical axis: Full twists in trampolining

Quote: "As part of their routine, a gymnast may perform a back somersault in the sagittal plane around the frontal axis."