Which structure traverses the diaphragm with the aorta?

Which structure traverses the diaphragm with the aorta?

• A. Azygos vein
• B. Thoracic duct
• C. Esophagus
• D. Vagus nerve

Answer: (B)

The opening through which the aorta travels at the diaphragm also transmits the thoracic duct. The thoracic duct, the main lymphatic channel in the body, originates in the abdomen and ascends with the aorta through the aortic hiatus (T12) into the thorax, then continues upward to drain into the left venous angle. The esophagus and vagus nerves instead pass through the esophageal hiatus (T10). The azygos vein runs in the posterior mediastinum and does not characteristically pass with the aorta through the diaphragmatic opening. So the structure that traverses the diaphragm with the aorta is the thoracic duct.

The opening through which the aorta travels at the diaphragm also transmits the thoracic duct. The thoracic duct, the main lymphatic channel in the body, originates in the abdomen and ascends with the aorta through the aortic hiatus (T12) into the thorax, then continues upward to drain into the left venous angle. The esophagus and vagus nerves instead pass through the esophageal hiatus (T10). The azygos vein runs in the posterior mediastinum and does not characteristically pass with the aorta through the diaphragmatic opening. So the structure that traverses the diaphragm with the aorta is the thoracic duct.