The electromagnetic inclusive transverse response of nuclear matter at
saturation density is studied within the correlated basis function pe
rturbation theory for momentum transfers q from 300 to 550 MeV/c. The
correlation operator includes a Jastrow component, accounting for the
short range repulsion, as well as longer range spin, tensor, and isosp
in ones. Up to correlated one-particle-one-hole intermediate states ar
e considered. The spreading due to the decay of particle (hole) states
into two-particle-one-hole (two-hole-one-particle) states is consider
ed via a realistic optical potential model. The Schiavilla-Pandharipan
de-Riska model for the two-body electromagnetic currents, constructed
so as to satisfy the continuity equation with realistic upsilon(14) po
tentials, is adopted. Currents due to intermediate Delta-isobar excita
tions are also included. The global contribution of the two-body curre
nts turns out to be positive and provides an enhancement of the one-bo
dy transverse response ranging from similar to 20% for the lower momen
ta to similar to 10% for the higher ones. This finding is in agreement
with the Green's function Monte Carlo studies of the transverse Eucli
dean response in A = 3,4 nuclei and contradicts previous results obtai
ned within the Fermi gas and shell models. The tensor-isospin componen
t of the correlation is found to be the leading factor responsible for
such a behavior. The nuclear matter response is compared to recent ex
perimental data on Ca-40 and Fe-56.