In which plane does rotation occur?

• A. Sagittal plane
• B. Frontal plane
• C. Transverse plane
• D. Coronal plane

Answer: (C)

Rotation occurs in the transverse plane, also called the horizontal plane, which divides the body into upper and lower parts. In this plane, joints rotate around their long axis, so movements like turning the head side to side, twisting the trunk, or rotating a shoulder or hip are classic examples. Flexion and extension happen in the sagittal plane, while abduction and adduction occur in the frontal (coronal) plane, so those movements are not pure rotations. Pronation and supination of the forearm are other common rotation movements that take place in this same transverse plane.