Final answer:
The four sections on a coat of arms are known as quarters or quadrants, which may represent family ancestral lines or combine different arms on a shield. Each detail, including the quarters, holds significant symbolism in heraldry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The four sections on a coat of arms are referred to as quarters or quadrants. These quarters are created by a cross that divides the shield into four parts, typically to represent the ancestral lines of a family or to combine different arms. A comprehensive term that includes the entire heraldic design on the shield is the escutcheon. In heraldry, the art and science of designing coats of arms, each detail on the escutcheon, including the quarters, has particular significance and symbolizes aspects of the bearer's family history or accomplishments.
For instance, the relief carvings on the vase mentioned in the source material show images running in four parallel bands around its exterior. This can be likened to the way a coat of arms might exhibit different symbolic representations in each quarter, often telling a visual story of a family's or institution's lineage and heritage.