What passes through the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm?
a. Aorta
b. Phrenic nerves
c. Thoracic duct
d. Lymphatic trunks
e. Sometimes the azygos vein
The structures that pass through the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm include:
a. Aorta: The aortic hiatus is specifically named for the aorta, which is the primary structure passing through it.
c. Thoracic duct: The thoracic duct also passes through the aortic hiatus.
e. **Sometimes the azygos vein**: In some individuals, the azygos vein can pass through the aortic hiatus or its adjacent areas.
The phrenic nerves (b) and lymphatic trunks (d) do not pass through the aortic hiatus. The phrenic nerves pass through the diaphragm at different locations and the lymphatic trunks typically pass through the diaphragm at the esophageal or caval hiatuses, not the aortic hiatus.
Therefore, the correct answers are:
a. Aorta
c. Thoracic duct
e. Sometimes the azygos vein