College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What opening in the diaphragm does the vagus nerve go through?

1. Esophageal hiatus

2. Caval foramen

3. Aortic hiatus

4. Medial arcuate ligament hiatus

The correct answer is: Esophageal hiatus

The vagus nerve passes through the esophageal hiatus in the diaphragm. This opening allows the nerve to accompany the esophagus as it traverses through the diaphragm and connects to structures in the thoracic cavity. The esophageal hiatus specifically facilitates the passage of both the esophagus and vagus nerve, playing a crucial role in the autonomic regulation of the digestive system. In contrast, the other openings in the diaphragm serve different functions. The caval foramen is primarily for the inferior vena cava, which is crucial for venous return to the heart. The aortic hiatus allows the aorta and thoracic duct to pass through, serving as the conduit for blood and lymphatic drainage. The medial arcuate ligament hiatus is associated with the psoas major muscle and does not accommodate any significant neuromuscular structures like the vagus nerve. Understanding these anatomical relationships aids in recognizing the significance of the esophageal hiatus in the context of the autonomic nervous system.