A.

Diaphragm

Arises from the xiphoid process (sternal part), lower six costal cartilages (costal
part), medial and lateral lumbocostal arches (lumbar part), vertebrae L1 to L3 for the right
crus, and vertebrae L1 to L2 for the left
Inserts into the central tendon and is the principal muscle of inspiration.
Receives somatic motor fibers solely from the phrenic nerve; its central part receives
sensory fibers from the phrenic nerve, whereas the peripheral part receives sensory fibers
from the intercostal nerves.
Receives blood from the musculophrenic, pericardiophrenic, superior phrenic, and
inferior phrenic arteries
Descends when it contracts, causing an increase in thoracic volume by increasing
the vertical diameter of the thoracic cavity and thus decreasing intrathoracic pressure.
Ascends when it relaxes, causing a decrease in thoracic volume with an increased
thoracic pressure.
1. Right crus
Is larger and longer than the left crus.
Originates from vertebrae L1 to L3
Splits to enclose the esophagus.
2. Medial arcuate ligament (medial lumbocostal arch)

Extends from the body of L1 to the transverse process of L1 and passes over the
psoas muscle and the sympathetic trunk.
3. Lateral arcuate ligament (lateral lumbocostal arch)

Extends from the transverse process of L1 to rib 12 and passes over the quadratus
lumborum.

B. Apertures through the diaphragm

1. Vena caval hiatus (vena caval foramen)

Lies in the central tendon of the diaphragm at the level of T8 and transmits the IVC
and occasionally the phrenic nerve.
2. Esophageal hiatus

Lies in the muscular part of the diaphragm (right crus) at the level of T10 and
transmits the esophagus and anterior and posterior trunks of the vagus nerves.
3. Aortic hiatus
Lies behind or between two crura at the level of T12 and transmits the aorta, thoracic
duct, azygos vein, an occasionally greater splanchnic nerve.