Arcuate ligament

The arcuate ligament is a fibrous band of connective tissue found in the human body. It is part of the anatomy of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.

Structure

The arcuate ligament is composed of two parts: the median arcuate ligament and the lateral arcuate ligament.

The median arcuate ligament is a fibrous arch that connects the right and left crura of the diaphragm. It crosses over the aorta and forms the aortic hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm through which the aorta and thoracic duct pass.

The lateral arcuate ligament is a thickening of the fascia covering the upper part of the quadratus lumborum muscle. It arches over the psoas major muscle and attaches to the lumbar vertebrae and the 12th rib.

Clinical significance

In some cases, the median arcuate ligament can compress the celiac artery, a condition known as Median arcuate ligament syndrome. This can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, and nausea. Diagnosis is typically made through imaging studies such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, and treatment often involves surgical release of the ligament.

See also

• Diaphragm (anatomy)
• Median arcuate ligament syndrome
• Celiac artery

References

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