What anatomical position divides the body into lateral sections?

The anatomical position that divides the body into lateral sections is the sagittal plane. This plane runs vertically through the body, dividing it into right and left sections. When referring to lateral sections, one is essentially discussing the areas on either side of the midline of the body, which are created by this vertical plane. The sagittal plane can be further specified as the mid-sagittal or median plane when it specifically aligns with the midline of the body, but in general terms, it effectively separates the body into its lateral components.

In contrast, the other anatomical planes serve different functions. The transverse plane, for instance, divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts, while the frontal (or coronal) plane separates the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections. The horizontal plane is not a standard term used in anatomy as it typically describes the same concept as the transverse plane. Hence, the correct understanding of how the sagittal plane operates is essential for grasping the organization of the body's structure.