Which plane runs parallel to the ground and divides the body into a superior (top) or inferior (bottom) portion?

Which plane runs parallel to the ground and divides the body into a superior (top) or inferior (bottom) portion?

• A. Transverse Plane
• B. Sagittal Plane
• C. Frontal Plane
• D. Horizontal Plane

Answer: (D)

Planes of the body describe how we slice the body to study its structure. The plane that runs parallel to the ground and divides the body into a top (superior) portion and a bottom (inferior) portion is the horizontal plane. This same plane is often called the transverse plane in many anatomy texts, since it cuts across the body. In imaging, an axial or transverse slice corresponds to this plane, providing a top-to-bottom view. So when you hear about a plane parallel to the ground giving upper and lower parts, you’re dealing with the horizontal plane.

Planes of the body describe how we slice the body to study its structure. The plane that runs parallel to the ground and divides the body into a top (superior) portion and a bottom (inferior) portion is the horizontal plane. This same plane is often called the transverse plane in many anatomy texts, since it cuts across the body. In imaging, an axial or transverse slice corresponds to this plane, providing a top-to-bottom view. So when you hear about a plane parallel to the ground giving upper and lower parts, you’re dealing with the horizontal plane.