<prompt> Aortic hiatus pierces diaphragm at what level?T8T10T11T12  <response>: Ans. D T12Ref: BDC, 6th ed. vol. II pg. 333 Diaphragm has several openings for the passage of structures from thorax to abdomen.Main openings in the diaphragm and their levelsOpeningLevelStructure PassingAORTIC OPENING-Osseo aponeurotic opening not a true openingStr passing: Remember ATAT12 Aorta Thoracic duct Azygous veinESOPHAGEAL OPENING- lies in muscular part of diaphragmT10 Esophagus Gastric or vagus nerve Esophagheal branch of left gastric arteryVENA CAVAL OPENING- lies in central tendon of diaphragmT8 Inferior vena cava Right phrenic nerve branchesExtra Mile Only motor nerve to diaphragm- PHRENIC NERVE C3, C4, C5 It is the principle muscle of inspirationExtra MileStructures and level of piercing in diaphragm: Mn: I ate, 10 Eggs, At 12 IVC: T8 Esophagus: T10 Aorta: T12 