Aortic hiatus

Aortic Hiatus

The Aortic Hiatus is an anatomical structure in the human body, specifically located in the diaphragm. It is an opening that allows the passage of the aorta, the body's main artery, from the thoracic cavity to the abdominal cavity.

Etymology

The term "Aortic Hiatus" is derived from the Greek word "Aorte" meaning "that which is hung up" and the Latin word "Hiatus" meaning "opening" or "gap".

Anatomy

The Aortic Hiatus is located approximately at the level of the twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12). It is situated in the posterior part of the diaphragm, slightly to the left of the midline. The aorta, the thoracic duct, and sometimes the azygos vein pass through this opening.

Clinical Significance

The Aortic Hiatus is clinically significant as it is the site through which the aorta passes from the chest to the abdomen. Any pathological condition affecting the aorta at this level, such as an aortic aneurysm, can have serious implications for the patient.

Related Terms

• Aorta: The main and largest artery in the human body, originating from the left ventricle of the heart and extending down to the abdomen.
• Diaphragm: A sheet of internal skeletal muscle that extends across the bottom of the thoracic cavity in mammals. It separates the thoracic cavity, containing the heart and lungs, from the abdominal cavity and performs an important function in respiration.
• Thoracic Vertebrae: The group of twelve small bones that form the vertebral spine in the upper trunk.
• Azygos Vein: A vein running up the right side of the thoracic vertebral column draining itself towards the superior vena cava. It can sometimes be found passing through the aortic hiatus.
• Thoracic Duct: The largest lymphatic vessel in the human body, which drains lymph from the entire body, with the exception of the right upper limb, right breast, right lung and right side of the head and neck.

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  Aortic hiatus diagram from Gray's Anatomy

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  Aortic hiatus and surrounding structures