Question

Which of the following structures does NOT pass through the aortic opening of the diaphragm?

• A. Azygos vein
• B. Aorta
• C. Thoracic duct
• D. Vagus

Hint:

Aortic hiatus carries aorta, azygos and thoracic duct; the vagus goes with the oesophagus.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: The diaphragm has three major openings - the caval opening (T8), the oesophageal hiatus (T10), and the aortic hiatus (T12). The aortic hiatus is actually an osseo-aponeurotic opening behind the diaphragm. Step 2: The structures that pass through the aortic hiatus are the descending aorta, the thoracic duct, and the azygos vein (the mnemonic is the "aortic hiatus has the duct, aorta and azygos"). So options (a), (b) and (c) all pass through it. Step 3: The vagus nerves (anterior and posterior vagal trunks) accompany the oesophagus and pass through the oesophageal hiatus at T10, NOT the aortic opening. Step 4: Therefore the structure that does not pass through the aortic opening is the vagus, making option (d) the correct answer.