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Question 670
Anatomy → Region
Classification
Question
SSBAQuestion Header
Which combination correctly describes the oesophageal aperture of the diaphragm?
Question Stem
Select the single best answer.
Options
A
T8; transmits the oesophagus and phrenic nerves
B
T10; formed by fibres of the right crus and transmits the oesophagus and vagal trunks
C
T10; formed by the central tendon and transmits the inferior vena cava
D
T12; formed by fibres of the left crus and transmits the oesophagus only
E
T12; formed by the right crus and transmits the inferior vena cava
Explanation
The oesophageal aperture lies at approximately T10 and is formed by splitting of fibres of the right crus. In addition to the oesophagus, structures traversing it include the vagal trunks, phreno-oesophageal ligament and oesophageal branches of the left gastric vessels with accompanying lymphatics.
Option Validity
A) T8 corresponds to the caval opening; the oesophageal aperture is at T10.
C) The inferior vena cava passes through the caval opening at T8 rather than through the oesophageal aperture.
D) The oesophageal aperture is at T10, is related to fibres of the right crus and transmits structures in addition to the oesophagus.
E) The inferior vena cava passes through the T8 caval opening.
Further Reading
Saxena R. Textbook for MRCOG-1. Chapter 2: Anatomy, p.12.