Space
Esophageal hiatus
Muscular opening around the lower esophagus
High-yield
The esophagus shares this passage with the vagal trunks and small esophageal vessels and lymphatics. The surrounding crural muscle is distinct from the esophagus's own sphincter mechanism.
Overview
Near the conventional T10 level, fibers mainly from the right diaphragmatic crus surround the esophagus. Their contraction contributes to the barrier that limits reflux at the junction of chest and abdomen.
Reference facts
- Boundaries
- Diaphragmatic muscle, principally right-crural fibers, around the esophagus near T10
- Contents
- Esophagus, anterior and posterior vagal trunks, left gastric esophageal vessel branches and lymphatics
- Communications
- Posterior mediastinum to the upper abdomen, just before the esophagus reaches the stomach
Clinical correlation
In a sliding hiatal hernia, the gastroesophageal junction moves above the diaphragm and reflux can become more likely. In a pure paraesophageal hernia, part of the stomach rises alongside an otherwise normally positioned junction; mixed patterns also occur.
Frequently asked questions
What are the boundaries of the esophageal hiatus?
The esophageal hiatus is bounded by the diaphragmatic muscle, principally right-crural fibers, around the esophagus near T10.
What does the esophageal hiatus contain?
The esophageal hiatus contains the esophagus, anterior and posterior vagal trunks, left gastric esophageal vessel branches and lymphatics.
What does the esophageal hiatus communicate with?
Posterior mediastinum to the upper abdomen, just before the esophagus reaches the stomach.