When scanning a structure in the transverse plane, which direction are we scanning through?

When scanning a structure in the transverse plane, the scanning direction is oriented from medial to lateral. This plane provides a cross-sectional view of the body, allowing for visualization of structures in a horizontal slice.

In this context, the transverse plane divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts. Scanning begins at a specific point in the body, typically at the level of the structures of interest, and moves laterally outward from the midline. This lateral movement allows sonographers to assess various anatomy and pathology in a perpendicular direction relative to the long axis of the body.

Understanding the transverse plane is essential for accurate imaging, as it dictates how structures are viewed and interpreted during a sonography examination. The key takeaway is that transverse scanning involves a view across the body in a way that emphasizes the location of structures in relation to the midline, which supports proper diagnostic assessment.