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Question 680
Anatomy → Region
Classification
Question
SSBAQuestion Header
Anatomy
Question Stem
In addition to the oesophagus and vagal trunks, which structure passes through the oesophageal aperture of the diaphragm?
Options
A
Thoracic duct
B
Phreno-oesophageal ligament
C
Inferior vena cava
D
Azygos vein
E
Left phrenic nerve
Explanation
The oesophageal aperture transmits the oesophagus, phreno-oesophageal ligament, vagal trunks/gastric nerves and oesophageal branches of the left gastric artery with accompanying veins and lymphatics.
Option Validity
A) The thoracic duct is not listed among the contents of the oesophageal aperture.
C) The inferior vena cava has its own opening at T8.
D) The azygos vein is not listed as an oesophageal-aperture content.
E) The left phrenic nerve is not listed as passing through this aperture.
Further Reading
Saxena - MRCOG-1 Basic Sciences, Chapter 2: Anatomy, Printed p.12.