Which plane divides the body into upper and lower halves?

The answer is the transverse plane because it is specifically defined as the anatomical plane that divides the body into upper and lower portions. This plane runs horizontally through the body and is perpendicular to both the sagittal and coronal planes. By creating a clear distinction between the upper (superior) and lower (inferior) regions of the body, the transverse plane is particularly useful in medical imaging and anatomical studies to provide cross-sectional views of the structures within the body. This distinction is crucial for understanding how various organs and systems relate to one another in three-dimensional space during analysis or clinical assessments.

In contrast, the sagittal plane divides the body into right and left halves, while the coronal plane separates the front and back parts of the body. The horizontal plane, though often used interchangeably with the transverse plane, does not specify anatomical orientation as clearly. Thus, the transverse plane is the most accurate description for the plane that divides the body into upper and lower halves.