oesophageal aperture (anatomy)
Last reviewed 01/2018
The oesophageal aperture is the route that the oesophagus takes through the muscular part of the diaphragm. It is characterised by:
- in inspiration, usually sited at the level of the T10 vertebra posteriorly and the 7th costal cartilage anteriorly
- formed by fibres of the right crus
- relations:
- anteriorly: fibrous pericardium
- posteriorly: thoracic aorta
- right: inferior vena cava
- the oesophagus is firmly attached to, and enters obliquely through, the oesophageal hiatus; these factors aid in maintaining the competence of the 'anatomical sphincter' to prevent reflux
- other structures traversing the oesophageal aperture include:
- anterior and posterior vagal trunks
- ascending oesphageal branch of left gastric artery and veins