Diaphragm

Question 1

Openings & structures passing through the diaphragm

Answer 1

1. T12 (aortic opening):
   → Aorta [most POST one of all, travels through med. arcuate lig.]
   → Thoracic duct
   → Azygous vein
2. T10 (oesophageal opening)
   → Oesophagus
   → Vagal trunks
   → Oesophageal branches of left gastric artery
   → Veins
   → Lymphatics
3. T8 (vena caval opening):
   → Inf. vena cava
   → Right phrenic n.

Question 2

Attachments of the diaphragm

Answer 2

1. Fibromuscular structure; main muscle of inspiration
2. First 3 lumbar vertebrae + intervertebral discs → by right crus
3. First 2 lumbar vertebrae + intervertebral discs → by left crus
4. Crura join to make median arcuate lig.

Question 3

Nerve supply of diaphragm

Answer 3

1. Motor n. supply = phrenic n.
2. Peripheral proprioception = IC nerves
3. Central tendon proprioception = phrenic n.

• Left phrenic nerve pierces left dome
• Right phrenic nerve pierces central tendon