transpyloric plane

Introduction

The key horizontal plane of the abdomen. The pylorus may be located on this plane in the supine or prone positions, but in erect (anatomic) position it descends to a lower level.

• bisects the line joining the sternal notch & pubic symphysis
• passes through:
  • L1 vertebra
  • tips of the 9th costal cartilages
  • the fundus of the gallbladder
  • the neck of the pancreas
  • the splenic vein
  • the origin of the superior mesenteric artery
  • the duodeno junction
  • the root of the transverse mesocolon
  • the hilum of the kidneys

More general terms

• plane (planum)