Which plane divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions?

• A. Sagittal
• B. Transverse (Horizontal)
• C. Frontal
• D. Median

Answer: (B)

Dividing the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) parts is done by a plane that runs horizontally across the body, perpendicular to the long axis. This is the transverse (horizontal) plane. Because it cuts across the body, it separates the top from the bottom rather than the left and right or the front and back. In contrast, a sagittal plane splits left from right, and a frontal (coronal) plane splits front from back; the median plane is a specific sagittal plane that passes through the midline. So the horizontal/transverse plane is the one that yields superior and inferior portions.