The Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation (ANCF) is a milestone in the study of flexible multibody dynamics and is of great significance for the study of the dynamics of multi-flexible systems, of which the plate element is an important part. In this article, the construction and principles of this type of element are systematically traced, the types of elements that have been studied are summarized, and the research history of the element locking problem and extended applications in different fields are briefly described. Through the systematic summary, the shortcomings in the current research and application of the element are identified, and some suggestions for future theoretical research on the plate element are given. The functional expansion of the plate element under the conditions of constraints, materials and physical fields as well as practical engineering applications are discussed.