Transpyloric Plane : Mnemonic

Synonyms: Addison’s plane

Definition: An imaginary horizontal line (halfway between suprasternal notch and pubic symphysis) through the L1 vertebra, a line that is important when performing radiographic imaging studies.

Structures lying in transpyloric plane:

Mnemonic: TRANSPYLORIC

1. Termination of spinal cord
2. Renal hilum – Left only
   • Transpyloric plane (L1) goes through only 1 hilum, i.e. Left
   • Right kidney is 2.5 cm lower than left
3. Artery – superior mesenteric artery (SMA)
4. Ninth rib
5. S:
   • Splenic flexure of colon
   • Splenic hilum
   • Second part of duodenum
6. P:
   • Pylorus of stomach
   • Portal vein origin
   • Pancreatic neck
7. Y: Nothing
8. L:
   • L1 vertebral body
   • Liver (hepatic flexure of colon)
9. O: Oddi (sphincter of oddi)
10. R: Root of transverse mesocolon
11. I: Ignore
12. C: Cysterna chyli