Which plane of the body divides it into superior and inferior portions?

The plane that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions is the transverse plane. This horizontal plane cuts across the body at the waist, allowing for cross-sectional views of the body. It is essential in anatomical terms as it aids in understanding the location of organs relative to each other and the body's overall structure. The transverse plane is commonly utilized in imaging techniques such as CT scans and MRIs, where different cross-sectional layers of the body are visualized.

The other planes mentioned serve different purposes. For instance, the sagittal plane divides the body into left and right portions, while the coronal plane, also known as the frontal plane, separates the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections. Neither of these planes provides the superior/inferior division, making the choice of the transverse plane the most appropriate answer to the question.