Transpyloric plane

An upper transverse line also known as Addison's Plane, located halfway between the jugular notch and the upper border of the pubic symphysis. It is also said to lie roughly a hand's breadth beneath the xiphoid process of the human sternum. The plane in most cases cuts through the pylorus of the stomach, the tips of the ninth costal cartilages and the lower border of the first lumbar vertebra.

Structures crossed
The transpyloric plane is clinically notable because it passes through several important abdominal structures. These include:


 * lumbar vertebra 1 and hence passes just before the end of the spinal cord in adults.
 * the fundus of the gallbladder
 * the end of the spinal cord
 * the pancreatic body
 * the origin of the superior mesenteric artery from the abdominal aorta and termination of the superior mesenteric vein at the hepatic portal vein
 * the left and right colic flexure
 * hilum of the kidney on the left
 * hilum of the kidney on the right
 * the root of the transverse mesocolon
 * duodenojejunal flexure
 * the 1st part of the duodenum
 * the upper part of conus medullaris
 * the spleen
 * the pylorus of the stomach which will lie at this level approximately 5 cm to the right of the midline.
 * cisterna chyli (which drains into the thoracic duct)