As per the following image, an imaginary plane that divides the body into superior and inferior parts is:

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO- 2019

Explanation

The transverse plane is defined as the horizontal plane that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections.
The image provided visually demonstrates this exact division, showing a plane cutting across the midsection of the body.
This plane is also referred to as the horizontal or axial plane, commonly used in medical imaging like CT scans and MRIs.
The terms 'superior' (towards the head) and 'inferior' (towards the feet) are specifically associated with the transverse plane.

Option A: The coronal plane is a vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections, not superior and inferior.
Option B: The frontal plane is another name for the coronal plane. It divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.
Option C: The sagittal plane is a vertical plane that divides the body into left and right sections. A midsagittal plane divides it into equal halves.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomical Body Planes as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding anatomical planes is fundamental for interpreting medical imaging studies like CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds, which present 'slices' of the body in these planes.
Surgeons and other healthcare professionals use these planes as a reference to describe the location of organs, tumors, or injuries, and to plan surgical approaches.
What if the question asked for the plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves? The correct answer would be the 'midsagittal plane' or 'median plane'.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully read the question and identify the key descriptive terms: 'divides the body into superior and inferior parts'.
Next, examine the provided image. Observe that the plane shown is horizontal, cutting the body into an upper and a lower section.
Recall the definitions of the three primary anatomical planes.
Match the description from the question and the visual from the image to the correct definition. The division into 'superior' and 'inferior' corresponds to the transverse plane.
Evaluate each option: Coronal/Frontal planes divide front/back, and the Sagittal plane divides left/right. Therefore, they are incorrect.
Conclude that the transverse plane is the only option that fits the description.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Physiology Ganong 27e Vol 2 Part 2 p. 109-111

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 45-47

Practise the full AIIMS Delhi NO- 2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.