Which plane of motion divides the body into right and left sides?

The plane of motion that divides the body into right and left sides is the sagittal plane. This plane runs vertically through the body and allows for movements that occur in this domain, such as flexion and extension. When an individual performs actions like bicep curls or squats, those movements occur primarily within the sagittal plane as they involve forward and backward movements of body segments.

Understanding the other planes can help contextualize why the sagittal plane is the correct choice. The transverse plane, for example, divides the body into upper and lower parts and is associated with rotational movements. The coronal plane, also known as the frontal plane, divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections, which is relevant for lateral movements. The frontal plane focuses on movements that occur side to side, such as jumping jacks or lateral raises, rather than the right and left separation that defines the sagittal plane. Thus, identifying these planes contributes to understanding human movement and how different exercises can be categorized accordingly.