| Esophageal hiatus | |
|---|---|
| The diaphragm. Under surface. (Esophageal hiatus labeled at center right.) | |
| Latin | hiatus oesophageus, hiatus esophageus |
| Gray's | subject #117 406 |
In human anatomy, the esophageal hiatus is a hole in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes. It is located in the right crus of the diaphragm.
It is located approximately at level of the tenth thoracic vertebra (T10).
The esophageal hiatus is situated in the muscular part of the diaphragm at the level of the tenth thoracic vertebra, and is elliptical in shape. It is placed superior, anterior, and slightly left of the aortic hiatus, and transmits the esophagus, the vagus nerve, the left inferior phrenic vessels, and some small esophageal arteries from left gastric vessels. The right crus of the diaphragm loops around forming a sling around the esophagus. Upon inspiration, this sling would constrict the esophagus, forming an anatomical sphincter that prevents stomach contents from refluxing up the esophagus when intra-abdominal pressure rises during inspiration.
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