hiatus esophageus

hiatus

 [hi-a´tus] (L.)

an opening, gap, or cleft. adj., adj hia´tal.

aortic hiatus (hiatus aor´ticus) the opening in the diaphragm through which the aorta and thoracic duct pass.

esophageal hiatus (hiatus esophage´us) the opening in the diaphragm for the passage of the esophagus and the vagus nerves.

e·soph·a·ge·al hi·a·tus

[TA]

the opening in the right crus of the diaphragm, between the central tendon and the aortic hiatus and at the level of vertebra T10, through which the esophagus and the two vagus nerves pass.

Synonym(s): hiatus esophageus [TA], esophageal opening

hiatus esophageus

The opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes.

See also: hiatus