Diaphragm

Question 1

What does the diaphragm connect to peripherally?

Answer 1

• Xiphoid process
• Costal margin of thoracic wall
• Ends of ribs 11 and 12
• Ligaments that span across structures of the posterior abdominal wall
• Vertebrae of the lumbar region

Question 2

General structure of diaphragm

Answer 2

• 2 domes, right slightly higher for liver
• Muscle fibres converge from peripheral attachments to join a central tendon

Question 3

What structures pass through the diaphragm, what do they travel through and at what vertebral level?

Answer 3

• IVC (caval hiatus, T8)
• Oesophagus (oesophageal hiatus, T10)
• Vagus nerve (with oesophagus)

Question 4

What structures pass behind the diaphragm, what do they travel through and at what vertebral level?

Answer 4

• Aorta (aortic hiatus, T12)
• Thoracic duct (with aorta)
• Azygos + hemiazygos veins (with aorta or through crura)
• Thoracic splanchnic nerves (through crura)

Question 5

What nerves innervate the diaphragm?

Answer 5

Phrenic nerves (C3, C4, C5)