Diaphragm: Minor orifices

Location Contents

Between Sternal and Costal Origins
  • The superior epigastric vessels
Between Costal Origins
  • The musculophrenic vessels
  • Intercostal nerves 7-11
Between Costal and Lumbar Origins
  • The subcostal nerve and vessels
In relation to Lumbar Origins
  • The sympathetic trunk
  • The greater and lesser splanchnic nerves
  • The lowest splanchnic nerve
  • Vena azygos on the right and vena hemiazygos on the left
In the Domes
  • Branches of the phrenic nerves

 

Actions of diaphragm

  • Flattening increases the vertical diameter of the thorax. This increases intrathoracic volume thus dcreasing pressure.

  • Flattening also displaces abdominal viscera.
Neurovascular supply to diaphragm
Blood supply
Lymphatic drainage
Innervation
  • Musculophrenic

  • Superior phrenic

  • Inferior phrenic
  • Parasternal nodes

  • Posterior mediastinal

  • Subdiaphragmatic nodes

Phrenic nerve

  • Motor to the ipsilateral half of the diaphragm

  • Sensory (pain and proprioception) to the greater part of the muscle.

Lower 6 or 7 intercostal and subcostal nerves

  • Sensory to peripheral part

 
Posterior abdominal wall and diaphragm