At the aortic opening (hiatus) of the diaphragm at the T12 level, which structures accompany the aorta?

• A Sympathetic trunks and accessory hemiazygos vein
• B Vagus nerves and esophagus
• C Greater splanchnic nerves and hemiazygos vein
• D Thoracic duct and azygos vein ✓

Explanation

The aortic hiatus lies at T12, behind the median arcuate ligament formed by the two crura, and transmits the aorta, the thoracic duct, and the azygos vein. The esophagus passes through its own opening at T10 with the vagal trunks, so option B describes the esophageal hiatus. The greater splanchnic nerves pierce the crura separately rather than passing through the aortic hiatus.

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

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