Abdominal surface of the diaphragm (English)

This inferior view (abdominal surface) of the diaphragm shows the muscular and tendinous components, as well as the three main openings of the diaphragm: the aortic hiatus (aorta, vena azygos and thoracic duct), esophageal hiatus (esophagus, branches of left gastric artery and vein and anterior vagal trunk) and caval foramen (inferior vena cava and branches of right phrenic nerve). These are formed with the help of tendinous structures, including the right and left crus of the diaphragm as well as the median arcuate ligament. Two further ligaments, the medial and lateral arcuate ligaments, form openings posterior to the diaphragm, through which the psoas major and quadratus lumborum muscles pass. Also visible in this inferior view of the diaphragm are components of the axial skeleton, such as the ribs, sternum and the first three lumbar vertebrae. The major vessels supplying the diaphragm are also seen travelling along its abdominal surface: the phrenic nerves and inferior phrenic arteries.