Which plane describes lateral movements of the body?

The frontal plane, also known as the coronal plane, is the correct choice for describing lateral movements of the body. This plane divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections. Movements that occur within the frontal plane include abduction and adduction, which involve limbs moving away from or towards the midline of the body. For instance, when you raise your arms to the side or bring them back to your side, those movements occur in the frontal plane.

Understanding the functional significance of the frontal plane is essential in biomechanics, as it explores movement patterns that are crucial in activities such as lateral walking, jumping sideways, or performing side lunges. Recognizing this plane aids in both injury prevention and rehabilitation, as many sports and physical activities require effective lateral mobility.

The other planes mentioned serve different structural roles: the sagittal plane divides the body into left and right sections and is involved in forward and backward movements, while the transverse plane cuts the body into upper and lower parts, facilitating rotational movements. The cardinal plane term is not commonly used in biomechanical discussions about human movement. Hence, lateral movements correspond specifically to the characteristics defined by the frontal plane.