The diaphragm is a fibromuscular septum. Its main functions are inspiration and separation of the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. There are many openings which permit the passage of structures from the thoracic cavity to the abdominal cavity and vice versa. The structure which is concerning with this study is the esophagus which passes through an opening in the diaphragm at thelevel 10th ofthoracic vertebra.
The cardiac sphincter is a physiological sphincter which prevents regurgitation of gastric contents from the stomach and this important function is augmented by six factors:-
1.The pinch cock action of the right crus.
2.Valvular effects of the esophagogastric angle.
3.The rossette-like fold of the gastric mucosa at the cardia.
4.The presence of a length ( about 4 cm ) of intraabdominal esophagus.
5.Circular muscle fibers around the lower end of the esophagus.
6. A band of muscle which presents in the fundus of stomach and passes around the esophago-gastric junction.
The diaphragmatic hernia is classified into congenital, traumatic and acquired hernias. |
