Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer orientation sensing and display apparatus, and related method, for use in providing an accurate representation of the orientation of an ultrasonic transducer's imaging plane. The orientation sensing and display apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer having an integral orientation sensor, a processor, and a display. The representation of the imaging plane as indicated on the display is based on electrical signals generated by the orientation sensor. The ultrasonic transducer, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, is integrated near the distal end or tip of an elongated tube of a laparoscopic instrument used for ultrasonic imaging. The orientation sensor is a biaxial gravitational sensor, composed of two orthogonal sensing toroids to sense rotation about any axis lying in a horizontal plane.