Which plane divides the body into front and back portions?

The frontal plane, also known as the coronal plane, is the anatomical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections. This division allows for the description of movements and positions in relation to the front and back of the body. It is particularly useful in understanding how various movements occur, such as lateral flexion, and how to assess the anatomical position of structures in both clinical practice and anatomical studies.

In contrast, the transverse plane separates the body into upper and lower parts, the sagittal plane divides the body into left and right sections, and the horizontal plane often refers to the same concept as the transverse plane but is less commonly used in an anatomical context. Therefore, the frontal plane specifically fulfills the requirement of dividing the body into front and back portions.