Is the transpyloric plane also called Addison's plane?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 10, 2026 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Transpyloric Plane Nomenclature

No, the transpyloric plane is not called Addison's plane. These are distinct anatomical landmarks with different vertebral levels and clinical significance.

Key Anatomical Distinctions

The transpyloric plane is a well-defined horizontal plane that:

  • Passes through the lower border of L1 to upper L2 vertebral level in approximately 75% of adults 1
  • Contains important anatomical structures including the superior mesenteric artery (56%), portal vein formation (53%), tip of the ninth rib (60%), and left renal hilum (54%) 1
  • Serves as a fundamental reference plane in abdominal surface anatomy 2

Clinical Relevance

The transpyloric plane's anatomical relationships have been reassessed using modern CT imaging in living subjects:

  • The hepatic portal vein formation consistently lies within the transpyloric plane across all age groups 3
  • The right renal hilum and gallbladder fundus are typically located below this plane rather than within it 1
  • In the Turkish population, similar findings confirm the tip of the tenth rib, superior mesenteric artery, and portal vein are usually within this plane 2

Important Caveats

Surface anatomy derived from cadaveric studies shows significant discrepancies when compared to in vivo imaging 1, 2. Modern cross-sectional imaging demonstrates:

  • Substantial variability exists in surface landmarks between individuals 3
  • Age-related variations affect the accuracy of surface anatomy, particularly in pediatric populations 3
  • Ethnic differences should be considered when applying classical textbook descriptions 2

The term "Addison's plane" does not appear in contemporary anatomical literature or clinical guidelines as an alternative name for the transpyloric plane.

References

1
Research

Anatomical planes: are we teaching accurate surface anatomy?

Clinical anatomy (New York, N.Y.), 2012

3
Research

A reappraisal of pediatric abdominal surface anatomy.

Clinical anatomy (New York, N.Y.), 2022

Related Questions

Is Addison’s plane the same as the transpyloric plane?
What is the alternative name for the transpyloric plane?
What is a safer alternative to lumbar epidural analgesia for patients at high risk of bleeding?
What is the appropriate evaluation and management for a patient presenting with scrotal edema, a groin rash, and scattered skin lesions?
In a child presenting with fever and rash, what are the Australian paediatric guidelines for immediate assessment, identification of red‑flag features, and appropriate treatment for meningococcal disease, Kawasaki disease, scarlet fever, viral exanthems, and drug‑induced rash?
How should I manage a patient with acute decompensated heart failure, including initial oxygen therapy, continuous cardiac monitoring, intravenous loop diuretic, vasodilator for hypertension, inotrope for hypotension, and subsequent guideline‑directed medical therapy?
Is Addison’s plane the same as the transpyloric plane?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM‑5‑TR) and the International Classification of Diseases, Eleventh Revision (ICD‑11) in diagnosing Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
In a 78‑year‑old male with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 88 mL/min/1.73 m², what is the significance and are medication dose adjustments required?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question