Match each diaphragmatic opening with its vertebral level: the vena caval opening, the esophageal opening, and the aortic opening respectively lie at:

• A T10, T8, T12
• B T8, T10, T12 ✓
• C T8, T12, T10
• D T12, T10, T8

Explanation

The mnemonic I ate ten eggs at twelve gives IVC at T8, esophagus at T10, aorta at T12. The IVC opening lies in the central tendon, so it is stretched open with inspiration and the caval flow increases. The esophageal opening is in the muscular right crus, so it is pinched shut with inspiration, preventing reflux. The aorta passes behind the median arcuate ligament between the crura and is unaffected by respiration.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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