Transverse Plane - Clinically Relevant Anatomical Planes With Associated Structures

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 Rib 2 at the Sternal Angle;
    • Arch of Aorta(beginning and end);
    • Upper margin of SVC;
    • Thoracic Duct crossing;
    • Tracheal Bifurcation;
    • Pulmonary Trunk Bifurcation;

• The xiphosternal plane (aka xiphosternal junction)
  • 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 (or transumbilical 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 (aka Transtubercular 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.