Esophageal hiatus

In human anatomy, the esophageal hiatus is an opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus and the vagus nerve pass.

Esophageal hiatus
The diaphragm. Under surface. (Esophageal hiatus labeled at center right.)
Details
Identifiers
Latin	hiatus oesophageus
TA98	A04.4.02.011
TA2	2344
FMA	58289
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

Structure

The esophageal hiatus is an oval opening^[1] in (sources differ) the right crus of the diaphragm^[1]/left crus of the diaphragm, with fibres of the right crus looping around the hiatus to form a sling (upon inspiration, this sling would constrict the esophagus, forming a functional (not anatomical) sphincter that prevents gastric contents from refluxing up the esophagus when intra-abdominal pressure rises during inspiration^{[citation needed]}).^[2] Fibers of the right crus decussate inferior to the hiatus.^[1]

Contents

The esophageal hiatus gives passage to the oesophagus as well as the anterior and the posterior vagal trunk, esophageal branches of the left gastric artery and vein, and some lymphatic vessels.^[1][2] The transversalis fascia lining the inferior surface of the diaphragm extends superiorly through the hiatus to blend with the endothoracic fascia and attach to the oesophagus 2-3 cm superior to the phrenoesophageal ligament.^[2]

Relations

The esophageal hiatus is located at level of the tenth thoracic vertebra (T10), 2.5 cm to the left of the midline,^[2] and (sources differ) posterior to the 7th left costal cartilage^[2]/at the level of the 8th or 9th intercostal spaces.^[3] It is placed superior, anterior, and slightly left of the aortic hiatus.^{[citation needed]}

Clinical significance

Hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach passes through the esophageal hiatus.^[4][5]

See also

• Hiatus hernia

References

1. Moore, Keith L.; Dalley, Arthur F.; Agur, Anne M. R. (2017). Essential Clinical Anatomy. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 536. ISBN 978-1496347213.
2. Sinnatamby, Chummy S. (2011). Last's Anatomy (12th ed.). p. 186. ISBN 978-0-7295-3752-0.
3. Fubini, Susan L.; Ducharme, Norm G. (2004-01-01), Fubini, Susan L.; Ducharme, Norm G. (eds.), "Chapter 10 - Surgery of the Bovine Digestive System", Farm Animal Surgery, Saint Louis: W.B. Saunders, pp. 161–281, ISBN 978-0-7216-9062-9, retrieved 2021-01-12
4. Ackerman, Kate G. (2015-01-01), Moody, Sally A. (ed.), "Chapter 32 - Diaphragmatic Embryogenesis and Human Congenital Diaphragmatic Defects", Principles of Developmental Genetics (Second Edition), Oxford: Academic Press, pp. 593–606, ISBN 978-0-12-405945-0, retrieved 2021-01-12
5. Randall, Elissa K. (2018-01-01), Thrall, Donald E. (ed.), "Chapter 32 - Canine and Feline Diaphragm", Textbook of Veterinary Diagnostic Radiology (Seventh Edition), W.B. Saunders, pp. 633–648, ISBN 978-0-323-48247-9, retrieved 2021-01-12

External links

• Anatomy photo:40:08-0102 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center - "Major Openings in the Diaphragm"