Sagittal Plane

Sagittal Plane: The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right halves. Generally, sagittal plane motion refers to motion that is forward, backward, up, and down.

Sagittal comes from the Latin root "sagitta," meaning resembling an arrow. Similar to "Sagittarius," the Zodiac sign for the archer. The sagittal plane is the plane an arrow flies (front to back)

Human Anatomy and Motion: Sagittal plane motion occurs when a bone and joint move parallel to the sagittal plane. Generally, this refers to a motion that is forward, backward, up, or down, such as walking, swinging the arms, or performing a squat.
A Tip for Students: Movements are categorized by plane based on the movement of bones and joints, and not external load. For example, a bench press is not conventionally performed in the sagittal plane. In most cases, the arms are wide, and parallel with the transverse (horizontal) plane , and the shoulders are performing horizontal adduction/abduction. The bench press can be performed in the sagittal plane, but this would require that the arms stay close to the sides, resulting in the shoulder performing flexion. Sometimes this variation is performed in the gym because it is believed to target the triceps brachii .
Axis and Planes of Motion: The sagittal plane includes joint motion around a "horizontal axis." Consider how a joint would move with a pin stuck through it from right to left.

Note: The muscles that move the human body in the sagittal plane generally have fibers that run up and down on the front and back of the body (e.g. the rectus abdominis )

Additional Planes of Motion:

For more information on the Planes of Motion (including video lecture), check out:

Lesson 2: Planes of Motion

Examples of sagittal plane motions and exercises.

Sagittal Plane Joint Actions

Hip and Shoulder

Flexion
Extension

Spine

Flexion
Extension

Scapula

Anterior tipping
Posterior tipping

Ankle

Dorsiflexion
Plantar flexion

Sagittal Plane

Sagittal Plane

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