What is the term for a lengthwise cut that divides the body into right and left portions?

The term for a lengthwise cut that divides the body into right and left portions is sagittal. This anatomical plane runs vertically and can be further categorized into two types: the midsagittal plane, which divides the body into equal right and left halves, and the parasagittal plane, which divides the body into unequal right and left portions. Understanding this terminology is crucial for describing locations, movements, and procedures in anatomy and medicine, as it helps to clearly delineate the positions and relationships of various structures within the body.

In contrast, the frontal (or coronal) plane divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions, while the transverse plane cuts the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections. Each of these planes serves a distinctive purpose in anatomical orientation but does not specifically create right and left portions like the sagittal plane does.