Final answer:
The sectional plane that divides the liver parallel to the midline but does not pass along the midline is called a parasagittal plane. It contrasts with the midsagittal plane, which divides the body into equal right and left halves.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the liver is dissected, resulting in a parallel plane that does NOT pass along the midline, the sectional plane is referred to as a parasagittal plane. This is because the midsagittal or median plane is the plane that would divide the liver into equal right and left halves, running directly down the middle. In contrast, a parasagittal plane also divides the liver vertically into right and left sides, but it does so unequally, as it does not align with the midline of the organ.
The frontal plane, also known as the coronal plane, divides the body or organ into anterior and posterior portions, while the transverse (horizontal) plane divides it into upper and lower portions. The term parasagittal is often used instead of longitudinal section in this context.
It's important to remember that a section is a two-dimensional surface of a three-dimensional structure that has been cut. Knowledge of the concept of sectional planes is essential for understanding anatomical orientation and for interpreting medical images such as scans.