Aortic hiatus

Definition

The aortic hiatus is an opening in the diaphragm through which the aorta, the body’s main artery, passes from the heart to the abdomen. It facilitates the continuous flow of blood from the thoracic to the abdominal part of the aorta.

Related terms

Diaphragm:

A muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and plays a key role in breathing.

Aorta:

The largest artery in the body that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to all parts of the body.

Thoracic cavity: The upper compartment of the body containing the heart, lungs, esophagus, and trachea, protected by the rib cage