Which structure traverses the diaphragm together with the aorta?

Which structure traverses the diaphragm together with the aorta?

• A. Esophagus
• B. Thoracic duct
• C. Azygos vein
• D. Splanchnic nerves

Answer: (B)

The aortic hiatus is the opening in the diaphragm for the aorta, and it typically carries the thoracic duct as well. The thoracic duct travels from the abdomen through the posterior mediastinum and enters the thorax via the aortic hiatus to reach the left venous angle. That pairing with the aorta through the same opening is what identifies it as the structure that traverses the diaphragm together with the aorta. Esophagus has its own hiatus (esophageal), with the vagus nerves. The azygos vein runs in the posterior mediastinum but does not pass through the aortic hiatus with the aorta. The greater (and other) splanchnic nerves pass through the crura to reach preganglionic stations, not through the aortic hiatus with the aorta.

The aortic hiatus is the opening in the diaphragm for the aorta, and it typically carries the thoracic duct as well. The thoracic duct travels from the abdomen through the posterior mediastinum and enters the thorax via the aortic hiatus to reach the left venous angle. That pairing with the aorta through the same opening is what identifies it as the structure that traverses the diaphragm together with the aorta.

Esophagus has its own hiatus (esophageal), with the vagus nerves. The azygos vein runs in the posterior mediastinum but does not pass through the aortic hiatus with the aorta. The greater (and other) splanchnic nerves pass through the crura to reach preganglionic stations, not through the aortic hiatus with the aorta.