Which of the following planes divides the body into upper and lower parts?

• A. Sagittal plane
• B. Frontal plane
• C. Transverse plane
• D. Coronal plane

Answer: (C)

The transverse plane, also known as the horizontal plane, is responsible for dividing the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) sections. This plane runs perpendicular to both the sagittal and frontal planes, allowing for cross-sectional views of the body. It is particularly useful in medical imaging, such as CT scans, where viewing the body in slices from top to bottom helps in diagnosing various conditions.

In contrast, the sagittal plane divides the body into left and right sections, while the frontal (or coronal) plane divides it into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections. Understanding these planes is crucial in anatomy and medical practice, as it assists healthcare professionals in describing locations and movements within the body.