aortic aperture
Last reviewed 01/2018
The aortic aperture is the route that the aorta takes on passing through the diaphragm. It is characterised by:
- sited at the level of the T12 thoracic vertebra in expiration
- formed by the median arcuate ligaments of the diaphragm
- passes behind the diaphragm as the arcuate ligaments only invest the aorta anteriorly; consequently, diaphragmatic contractions do not directly influence aortic diameter
- sited slightly to the left of the median plane
- relations:
- anteriorly: oesophagus
- posteriorly:
- T12 vertebral body
- hemi-azygous vein
- right: inferior vena cava
þþ thoracic duct, to the right
- azygous vein, situated more laterally on the right
- minor lymphatics