Coronal vs. Frontal — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 9, 2024
Coronal relates to an anatomical plane dividing the body into anterior and posterior portions, while frontal generally pertains to the front side of an object or organism.
Difference Between Coronal and Frontal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The coronal plane divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) halves. It’s used in anatomy to describe body structures and the direction of movements.
The frontal plane is another name for the coronal plane, but "frontal" specifically pertains to the front part of the body or head. The term is often used interchangeably with coronal in anatomy, but in everyday language, "frontal" is more commonly associated with the front region specifically.
Coronal sections are commonly used in imaging techniques like CT or MRI scans to get clear pictures of the body's anterior-posterior structures. Frontal descriptions are more generalized and can apply to anything toward the front.
Coronal directionality remains consistent across vertebrate anatomy, whereas frontal, in some non-anatomical contexts, can denote any leading edge or forward-facing surface.
The coronal suture, a joint in the skull, separates the frontal bone from the parietal bones. The frontal bone, however, specifically makes up the front of the skull, where the forehead is located.
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In clinical terminology, both "coronal" and "frontal" are widely recognized, with the coronal plane being more formally accurate for dividing the body into anterior and posterior halves.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Anatomical plane dividing front and back
Refers to the front of the body or head
Common Usage
Medical imaging, anatomy
Everyday description, anatomy
Plane Description
Divides body into anterior-posterior
Another term for coronal plane
Specific Structure
Coronal suture
Frontal bone, frontal cortex
Anatomical Direction
Consistent across species
Denotes front-facing direction
Compare with Definitions
Coronal
Concerning the coronal suture of the skull.
The coronal suture separates the frontal and parietal bones.
Frontal
Pertaining to a plane that divides the body similarly to a coronal plane.
The CT scan provided a detailed frontal view of the patient's chest.
Coronal
Relating to the coronal plane dividing the body into front and back halves.
The surgeon referred to the coronal section of the MRI scan.
Frontal
Relating to the front part of the body.
The frontal bone protects the brain's frontal lobes.
Coronal
In dentistry, referring to the crown of a tooth.
Coronal polishing improves the appearance of teeth.
Frontal
Describing the forehead or frontal area of the skull.
She wore her hair back, exposing her prominent frontal bones.
Coronal
Describing a type of solar event like coronal mass ejections.
The scientists studied the impact of coronal mass ejections.
Frontal
Pertaining to the weather front.
A frontal system is approaching from the north.
Coronal
Pertaining to a crown or resembling a crown.
The floral arrangement had a coronal shape.
Frontal
Concerned with a frontal assault or approach.
The military planned a frontal attack on the enemy's stronghold.
Coronal
A garland, wreath, or circlet for the head.
Frontal
Of, at, or directed at the front
A frontal assault on the Maginot line
The frontal view misses the octagonal tower
Coronal
(Linguistics) A coronal consonant.
Frontal
A decorative cloth for covering the front of an altar.
Coronal
Of or relating to a corona, especially of the head.
Frontal
Of, relating to, directed toward, or situated at the front
A frontal attack.
Coronal
Of, relating to, or having the direction of the coronal suture or of the plane dividing the body into front and back portions.
Frontal
Of or relating to the forehead or frontal bone.
Coronal
(Linguistics) Articulated by raising the blade of the tongue, as (t) in tip and (n) in night.
Frontal
Of or relating to the frontal plane.
Coronal
Relating to a crown or coronation.
Frontal
Of or relating to a meteorological front.
Coronal
(astronomy) Relating to the corona of a star.
Frontal
A drapery covering the front of an altar.
Coronal
(botany) Relating to the corona of a flower.
Frontal
The façade of a building.
Coronal
(phonetics) Relating to a sound made with the tip or blade of the tongue.
Frontal
Of, relating to, directed toward, or situated at the front.
Coronal
(anatomy) Relating to the coronal plane that divides a body into dorsal (back) and ventral (front).
Frontal
Directed against the front or at the main point or issue.
A frontal attack
Coronal
(dentistry) Relating to the external (supragingival) portion of the tooth.
Frontal
(anatomy) Of or relating to the forehead or frontal bone.
Coronal
(urology) Relating to the corona glandis.
Frontal
(anatomy) Parallel to the main axis of the body and at right angles to the sagittal plane.
Coronal
A crown or coronet.
Frontal
(zootomy) Any of the scales of a reptile that lie in the general region of the forehead, more specifically between the eyes and to the anterior of this area.
Coronal
A wreath or garland of flowers.
Frontal
(meteorology) Of or relating to a weather front.
Coronal
The frontal bone, over which the ancients wore their coronae or garlands.
Frontal
(skeleton) frontal bone.
Coronal
(phonetics) A consonant produced with the tip or blade of the tongue.
Frontal
(Christianity) A decorative drapery covering the front of an altar.
Coronal
Of or pertaining to a corona (in any of the senses).
The coronal light during the eclipse is faint.
Frontal
(architectural element) The façade of a building.
Coronal
Of or pertaining to a king's crown, or coronation.
The law and his coronal oath require his undeniable assent to what laws the Parliament agree upon.
Frontal
Belonging to the front part; being in front
Coronal
Of or pertaining to the top of the head or skull.
Frontal
Something worn on the forehead or face; a frontlet
Coronal
Of or pertaining to the shell of a sea urchin.
Frontal
A little pediment over a door or window.
Coronal
A crown; wreath; garland.
Frontal
A movable, decorative member in metal, carved wood, or, commonly, in rich stuff or in embroidery, covering the front of the altar. Frontals are usually changed according to the different ceremonies.
Coronal
The frontal bone, over which the ancients wore their coronæ or garlands.
Frontal
A medicament or application for the forehead.
Coronal
Flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
Frontal
The frontal bone, or one of the two frontal bones, of the cranium.
Frontal
An adornment worn on the forehead
Frontal
A drapery that covers the front of an altar
Frontal
The face or front of a building
Frontal
Belonging to the front part;
A frontal appendage
Frontal
Of or relating to the front of an advancing mass of air;
Frontal rainfall
Frontal
Meeting front to front;
A frontal attack
A head-on collision
Frontal
Of or adjacent to the forehead or frontal bone;
The frontal lobes
Common Curiosities
Is coronal the same as frontal?
Coronal and frontal often refer to the same anatomical plane dividing the body into front and back, but "frontal" can also mean the front part specifically.
Why are coronal planes important in anatomy?
They provide a standard way to describe body structures and directions relative to the front and back.
Where is the frontal bone?
The frontal bone is at the front of the skull, forming the forehead.
What is a frontal assault?
A frontal assault is a direct, head-on attack against an opponent.
What is the coronal plane used for?
The coronal plane helps divide the body into anterior and posterior sections, commonly used in imaging and anatomical studies.
Can "frontal" be used outside of medical contexts?
Yes, "frontal" can describe anything related to the front of an object or entity, such as a frontal attack or frontal weather system.
What body structures are seen in a coronal view?
In a coronal view, one can see structures like the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, with both anterior and posterior portions visible.
How does the coronal plane differ from the sagittal plane?
The coronal plane divides the body into anterior and posterior sections, while the sagittal plane divides it into left and right halves.
What does the coronal suture connect?
The coronal suture is the joint that connects the frontal bone to the two parietal bones of the skull.
Is the frontal lobe located in the front of the brain?
Yes, the frontal lobe is positioned at the front of the brain and is involved in functions like reasoning, planning, and movement.
How are coronal and frontal planes used in imaging?
Coronal and frontal planes are used in CT and MRI scans to visualize structures from a front-to-back perspective.
What is a coronal polishing in dentistry?
Coronal polishing is a procedure that cleans and smooths the crown (visible part) of a tooth, enhancing its appearance and hygiene.
Why is the frontal bone important for protection?
The frontal bone protects the frontal lobes of the brain and forms the upper part of the eye sockets, safeguarding vital structures.
Does the coronal plane apply to all vertebrates?
Yes, the concept of a coronal plane applies across vertebrate species, dividing their bodies into anterior and posterior sections.
What are some key functions of the frontal lobe?
The frontal lobe is crucial for decision-making, planning, speech, voluntary movement, and personality expression.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
