The transverse plane is best described by which characteristic?

The transverse plane, also known as the horizontal plane, is indeed best characterized as a horizontal division of the body. This plane slices through the body, creating an upper (superior) part and a lower (inferior) part, effectively separating the body into sections.

The correct choice emphasizes the orientation of this plane, which is crucial for understanding anatomical positioning and imaging techniques. Recognizing that the transverse plane runs horizontally allows for a clearer understanding of how it functions in relation to the other planes of the body, such as the sagittal plane (which divides left and right) and the coronal plane (which divides anterior and posterior). Therefore, this definition directly correlates with how anatomical descriptions and medical imaging reference the body in three dimensions.