Transverse

Transversus

  • Latin synonym: Transversalis

Definition

Transverse (a.k.a. axial) plane refers to a horizontally-oriented plane which, when passes through the body in its anatomical position, divides it into upper and lower parts.

The transverse plane is intersected at right angles by the vertically-oriented coronal (side-to-side) and sagittal (antero-posterior) planes.

References

Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2023 IMAIOS.

  • Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 1: The Body’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp. 6.

  • SEER Training Modules, Intro to the Human Body, Anatomical Terminology. U. S. National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute. February 2nd, 2023 < https://training.seer.cancer.gov/anatomy/body/terminology.html>