Measuring Planes for extracting accurate measurements

We are going to talk about the lines, axes, and measuring body planes that are considered while taking measurements.
The precise location of the landmarks and position of various reference points for the rationale of taking body measurements can be best understood by first getting familiar with different measuring planes and axis of the body.

The cardinal planes of the body

• Sagittal plane or anteroposterior plane
• Coronal or Frontal Anthropometry plane
• Transverse or axial plane
• Oblique Plane 

The sagittal plane or anteroposterior plane is the plane that is parallel to the vertical plane and divides the whole body into two parts, right and left. 

A median plane is a plane that passes longitudinally through the middle of the body from front to back in such a way that it divides the body into right and left halves.

Parasagittal planes are parallel to the median plane. These measuring planes are used to identify landmarks at the intersection with the body surface, coronal plane  or transverse planes

Coronal or Frontal Anthropometry plane: The measuring plane which is at a right angle to the sagittal plane and dividing the body into front and rear parts is the frontal plane. 

Transverse or axial plane: This plane is at right angles to the sagittal and transverse planes dividing the body into the upper and lower part. Measurements along this plane are typically girths or circumferences. Transverse planes are also inserted at different levels of the body like the head, neck, chest, waist, hip, thigh, and knee. 

Transverse planes on the limbs are perpendicular to the axis of the part of the limb.

The wrist and forearm circumferences are perpendicular to the axis of joining the wrist and elbow. The bicep circumference is perpendicular to the axis of joining the armpit point and the elbow.

The oblique plane divides the body at an angle between the horizontal and vertical planes. The oblique plane passes through two or more landmarks at different levels or angles. The oblique plane is used to define measurements like slopes and tilts.

Note: The position of a landmark may shift away from its plane depending on the posture of the person.

Measuring Planes for extracting accurate measurements

3D Measure Up web application enables you to explore the above landmarks and measurements device. Click here to signup for a free trial of 3D Measure Up, or contact us at 3dmeasureup@prototechsolutions.com.