Structures Passing Through the Diaphragm

Question 1

Aortic Hiatus

Answer 1

Location: between T12-L1, united with left and right crus
Structures: aorta, thoracic vein, lymph vessels, hemiazygous vein, azygous vein

Question 2

Crura

Answer 2

Location: both sides of aortic hiatus
Origin: L1-3

Question 3

Sympathetic Chain

Answer 3

Location: lateral to azygous vein
passes through thorax on either side of vertebral bodies

Question 4

Esophageal Hiatus

Answer 4

Location: muscle at T10
Passing Structures: esophagus, vagus nerve, gastric vessels

Question 5

Vena Caval Foramen

Answer 5

Location: central tendon between T8-9
Passing Structures: inferior vena cava and right phrenic nerve

Question 6

Left phrenic nerve

Answer 6

Location: anterior to central tendon

Question 7

Sternocostal Hiatus

Answer 7

Location: passes through interval between sternal and costal regions

Question 8

Azygous Vein

Answer 8

Location: right side of wall
Drains into posterior intercostal veins -> SVC

Question 9

Hemiazygous Vein

Answer 9

Location: left side of wall
Drains into azygous vein -> SVC

Question 10

Aorta

Answer 10

Location: laterally left of esophagus

Question 11

Thoracic Duct

Answer 11

Location: between esophagus, aorta, hemiazygous vein