Hiatus

Hiatus

In anatomy, a hiatus refers to an opening or gap in a structure. The term is commonly used in medical contexts to describe specific openings in the body, such as the esophageal hiatus and the aortic hiatus.

Esophageal Hiatus

The esophageal hiatus is an opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes. It is located at the level of the tenth thoracic vertebra and allows the esophagus to connect the pharynx to the stomach. The esophageal hiatus is an important structure as it allows for the passage of food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach.

Aortic Hiatus

The aortic hiatus is another opening in the diaphragm, located slightly above the esophageal hiatus. It allows for the passage of the aorta, the largest artery in the body, as it descends from the heart to the abdomen. The aortic hiatus is a crucial structure as it permits the aorta to supply blood to the lower part of the body.

Clinical Significance

Issues with the hiatal openings can lead to various medical conditions. For example, a hiatal hernia can occur when part of the stomach protrudes through the esophageal hiatus into the chest cavity. This can result in symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.

Treatment

Treatment for hiatal hernias may include lifestyle changes, medications to reduce stomach acid, and in severe cases, surgery to repair the hernia and reinforce the hiatus.