the esophagus passes through the diaphragm at the thoracic cavity.
the esophagus passes through the diaphragm at the thoracic cavity.
where does the esophagus pass through the diaphragm?
thoracic cavity
the phrenoesophageal ligament (phrenicoesophageal ligament, or phrenoesophageal membrane) is the ligament by which the esophagus is attached to the diaphragm. it is an extension of the inferior diaphragmatic fascia and is divided into an upper and lower limb which attach to the superior and inferior surfaces of the diaphragm respectively at the esophageal hiatus. the upper limb attaches the esophagus to the superior surface of the diaphragm and the lower limb attaches the cardia region of the stomach to the inferior surface of the diaphragm at the cardiac notch of stomach. the ligament allows independent movement of the diaphragm and esophagus during respiration and swallowing.
phrenoesophageal ligament
in vertebrates, the abdomen is a large body cavity enclosed by the abdominal muscles, at front and to the sides, and by part of the vertebral column at the back. lower ribs can also enclose ventral and lateral walls. the abdominal cavity is continuous with, and above, the pelvic cavity. it is attached to the thoracic cavity by the diaphragm. structures such as the aorta, inferior vena cava and esophagus pass through the diaphragm. both the abdominal and pelvic cavities are lined by a serous membrane known as the parietal peritoneum. this membrane is continuous with the visceral peritoneum lining the organs. the abdomen in vertebrates contains a number of organs belonging to, for instance, the digestive tract and urinary tract.
abdomen