Transverse Plane

Transverse Plane (Horizontal Plane): The transverse plane divides the body into top and bottom halves. Also referred to as the "horizontal plane," it may be helpful to remember that this is also the "plane of the horizon" or the "plane parallel to the horizon."

• Human Anatomy and Motion: Transverse plane motion is when a bone and joint move parallel to this transverse plane. Generally, this refers to motion in which the arms or legs start parallel to the horizon and come together (horizontal adduction) or spread apart (horizontal abduction), or when joints rotate or pivot.
• A Tip for Students: Movements are categorized by plane based on the movement of bones and joints, and not external load. For example, a standing cable chest press is a transverse plane motion because the shoulder and humerus are performing horizontal adduction/abduction, despite the fact that the resistance (handles) is moving forward and backward in what appears to be the sagittal plane.
• Axis and Planes of Motion: The transverse plane includes joint motion around a "vertical axis." Consider how a joint would move with a pin stuck through it from the top to the bottom.

Note: The muscles that move the human body in the transverse plane generally have fibers that run horizontally or diagonally (obliquely) (e.g. the pectoralis major )

Additional Planes of Motion:

• Sagittal
• Frontal
• Scapular

For more information on the Planes of Motion (including video lecture), check out:

• Lesson 2: Planes of Motion

Examples of transverse plane motions and exercises.

• Bench Press
• Push-ups
• Horizontal Abduction (Reverse Flyes)
• Horizontal Row
• Transverse Plane Lunge
• Clamshells
• Baseball swing

Transverse Plane Joint Actions

Hip and Shoulder

• Horizontal abduction
• Horizontal adduction
• Internal rotation
• External rotation

Spine

• Rotation (contralateral and ipsilateral)

Scapula

• Protraction
• Retraction