The __________ plane divides the body into upper and lower portions.

The correct term to fill in the blank is "transverse" plane.

Explanation

The transverse plane, also known as the horizontal plane, runs horizontally through the body, dividing it into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts. This anatomical plane is crucial in various fields, including medicine, biology, and physical examination, as it helps professionals describe locations, movements, and orientations relative to the body.

In imaging (like CT scans or MRIs), the transverse plane is often used to get cross-sectional views of the body, allowing for better visualization of internal structures. Understanding the different anatomical planes (such as sagittal, coronal, and transverse) is essential for anyone studying human anatomy, as it provides a standardized way to describe the location of organs and their relationships within the body.