Diaphragm Openings Summarized

The following table summarizes the Location, shape, and vertebral level of three major openings of the diaphragm.

OpeningLocationShapeVertebral
level
Vena caval
opening
In the central tendon
slightly to the right of
median plane
between the central
and right posterior
leaflets
Quadrangular
or square
T8 (body)
Esophageal
opening
Slightly to the left of
median plane (The
fibres of right crus
split around the
opening and act like
pinch cock)
Oval or
elliptical
T10 (body)
Aortic
opening
In the midline behind
the median arcuate
ligament
Circular or
round
T12 (lower
border of
the body
Location, shape, and vertebral level of three
major openings of the diaphragm

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