Esophageal hiatus

Esophageal hiatus is an opening in the diaphragm that allows the esophagus and vagus nerve to pass from the chest to the abdomen. The term "hiatus" comes from the Latin word for "opening" or "gap". The esophageal hiatus is located in the right crus of the diaphragm, around the level of the tenth thoracic vertebrae.

Anatomy

The esophageal hiatus is approximately 3 cm in diameter and is located in the right crus of the diaphragm, which is a muscular structure that separates the chest from the abdomen. The esophagus and the anterior and posterior vagal trunks pass through this opening.

The esophageal hiatus is surrounded by the diaphragmatic crura, which are two muscular bands that form a sling around the esophagus. This sling provides a mechanical barrier against the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities of the esophageal hiatus can lead to conditions such as hiatal hernia, where a part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm and into the chest. This can cause symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain.

See also

• Diaphragm (anatomy)
• Esophagus
• Vagus nerve
• Hiatal hernia

References

Esophageal hiatus Resources
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