Diaphragm

Question 1

What does the diaphragm consist of?

Answer 1

Peripheral part made of skeletal muscle
Central tendinous part

Question 2

What does the diaphragm separate?

Answer 2

Thorax from the abdomen

Question 3

What does the diaphragm attach to?

Answer 3

At its periphery the muscle attaches to the sternum, costal margin and vertebral column.

Question 4

What converges onto the central tendon of the diaphragm?

Answer 4

Muscular fibres on each side project upwards to converge on the central tendon

Question 5

What shape is the diaphragm?

Answer 5

Double domed

Question 6

Describe the positioning of the diaphragm.

Answer 6

The diaphragm projects high into the thorax; during expiration the right dome reaches the level of the 5th rib and the left dome to the 5th intercostal space.

Question 7

What structures pass through the diaphragm at T8?

Answer 7

Vena cava
Right phrenic nerve

Question 8

What structures pass through the diaphragm at T10?

Answer 8

Vagus nerve
Oesophagus
Branches of left gastric vessel

Question 9

What structures pass through the diaphragm at T12?

Answer 9

Thoracic duct
Sympathetic chains
Azygous veins
Aorta

Question 10

Which nerve provides motor & sensory innervation to the diaphragm?

Answer 10

Phrenic

Question 11

Which nerves also contribute to the sensory innervation of the peripheral diaphragm?

Answer 11

Intercostal