Which structure passes through the diaphragmatic hiatus at the level of T10?

Study for the NBME Gross Anatomy High Yield Test. Enhance your learning with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each detailed with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your anatomy exam!

Multiple Choice

Which structure passes through the diaphragmatic hiatus at the level of T10?

Explanation:
The diaphragmatic openings line up with specific vertebral levels: the caval opening is at T8 for the inferior vena cava, the esophageal hiatus is at T10 for the esophagus, and the aortic hiatus is at T12 for the aorta (along with the thoracic duct and sometimes the azygos/hemiazygos veins). So at T10, the structure that passes through the diaphragm is the esophagus. The other structures travel through their respective hiatuses: the aorta and thoracic duct through the aortic hiatus at T12, and the IVC through the caval opening at T8.

The diaphragmatic openings line up with specific vertebral levels: the caval opening is at T8 for the inferior vena cava, the esophageal hiatus is at T10 for the esophagus, and the aortic hiatus is at T12 for the aorta (along with the thoracic duct and sometimes the azygos/hemiazygos veins). So at T10, the structure that passes through the diaphragm is the esophagus. The other structures travel through their respective hiatuses: the aorta and thoracic duct through the aortic hiatus at T12, and the IVC through the caval opening at T8.

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