Medical Terminology · Multiple Systems · Medium

Transverse

Meaning: Describing a horizontal plane that divides the body into upper and lower parts.

In practice: The CT scan was viewed in the transverse plane, slice by slice.

Word parts

  • trans- means across or through

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Quick check

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Which word means: A procedure using a needle to drain fluid from the abdominal cavity.

Which word means: Tapping on the body surface to assess underlying structures by the sound produced.

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