Lumbar vertebral levels are useful for visualizing the positions of viscera and major blood vessels. The approximate positions of the lumbar vertebrae can be established using palpable or visible landmarks (Fig. 4.178):
A horizontal plane passes through the medial ends of the ninth costal cartilages and the body of the LI vertebra—this transpyloric plane cuts through the body midway between the suprasternal (jugular) notch and the pubic symphysis.