Transverse plane

List of clinically relevant anatomical planes

• Transverse thoracic plane
• Xiphosternal plane
• Transpyloric plane
• Subcostal plane
• Umbilical plane
• Supracristal plane
• Intertubercular plane
• Interspinous plane

  Clinically relevant anatomical planes with associated structures

• The transverse thoracic plane
• * Plane through T4 & T5 vertebral junction and sternal angle of Louis.
• * Marks the:
• ** Attachment of costal cartilage of rib 2 at the sternal angle;
• ** Aortic arch ;
• ** Upper margin of SVC;
• ** Thoracic duct crossing;
• ** Tracheal bifurcation;
• ** Pulmonary trunk bifurcation;
• The xiphosternal plane
• * Anterior, inferior limit of thoracic cavity;
• * Marks the:
• ** Superior surface of the liver;
• ** Respiratory diaphragm;
• ** Inferior border of the heart;
• The transpyloric plane
• * Plane located halfway between the jugular notch and the upper border of the symphysis pubis;
• * Typically located at the lower border of L1;
• * Cuts through the pylorus and the tips of the ninth costal cartilages;
• The subcostal plane
• * Transverse plane through the inferior border of costal margin;
• * Typically located at the superior border of L3, or transects L3;
• The umbilical plane
• * Located at the level of L3/L4 vertebral junction or IV disc;
• The supracristal plane
• * Located at the level of L4;
• * Marks bifurcation of aorta;
• * Most superior aspect of iliac crest;
• The intertubercular plane
• * Located at the level of L5;
• * Marks origin of IVC;
• The interspinous plane
• * Transverse plane which transverses the anterior superior iliac spines.
• * Typically located at the level of S1.