Which term refers to a plane that divides the body into superior and inferior parts?

The term that refers to a plane dividing the body into superior and inferior parts is the transverse plane. The transverse plane, also known as the horizontal plane, runs perpendicular to the long axis of the body, resulting in upper (superior) and lower (inferior) sections when a body is cut along this plane. This plane is crucial for medical imaging techniques like CT and MRI, as it allows for clear visualization of structures in a cross-sectional view.

In contrast, the frontal plane divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections, while the sagittal plane separates it into left and right parts. The coronal plane, similar to the frontal plane, also involves splitting the body into front and back portions. Understanding these planes is fundamental in anatomy and medical imaging, as it helps in accurately describing the location and orientation of organs and structures within the body.