Which plane is described as neutral for assessing motion?

The coronal plane, also known as the frontal plane, is typically considered neutral for assessing motion because it divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections. When assessing motion, the coronal plane allows for the evaluation of movements that occur in a lateral direction, such as abduction and adduction, while maintaining a neutral perspective. This means the body can be observed for qualitative changes without the influence of rotational or forward-backward bias that might arise in the sagittal or transverse planes.

In osteopathic practice, understanding the neutral reference provided by the coronal plane is crucial for accurately identifying and assessing structural movements and imbalances. This means that clinicians can observe motion with respect to symmetry and alignment of the body, focusing on how different regions move in relation to one another along this plane.

The other planes—sagittal, transverse, and vertical—serve specific roles but do not provide the same neutral basis for lateral assessment. The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right, the transverse plane divides it into superior and inferior sections, and the vertical plane isn't commonly used when describing conventional anatomical planes. Thus, the coronal plane stands out as the correct choice for assessing motion in a neutral context.