Which anatomical plane divides the body into right and left sections?

The median or mid-sagittal plane is the anatomical plane that specifically divides the body into right and left sections. This plane runs vertically down the center of the body, creating equal halves if the body is perfectly symmetrical. It is an essential reference point in anatomy because it helps in describing the location of body parts in relation to each other. For instance, structures located medial to the mid-sagittal plane are closer to the midline of the body, while those located lateral are farther away.

This clear division is vital in medical and anatomical contexts because it allows for precise communication about bodily structures and their positions. Other planes, such as the coronal (which divides the body into anterior and posterior sections), transverse (which separates the body into superior and inferior parts), and oblique (which runs at an angle), serve different purposes and do not specifically create right and left sections as the median plane does.