Embryology
Mnemonic: Several Parts Build Diaphragm
| Embryonic components | Parts of Diaphragm |
| 1. Septum transversum | Tendinous portion (Central tendon) |
| 2. Pleuroperitoneal folds | Muscular portion |
| 3. Body wall muscles | Muscular portion |
| 4. Dorsal mesentery of esophagus | Crura |
3 Major Openings of Diaphragm
Mnemonics:
1. I Eat Apples 8, 10, 12 or
2. Voice Of America 8, 10, 12
| Level | Location | Main structure | Mnemonic | Other structures |
| T8 | Central tendon (right of median plane) | Inferior Venacava | Right phrenic nerve | |
| T10 | Muscular portion (left of median plane) | OEsophagus | Three gooses | Right vagoose, Left vagoose (along with esophagoose) |
| T12 | Behind median arcuate ligament (in median plane) | Aorta | And A Duck | Azygous vein, thoracic Duct (along with Aorta) |
Innervation of Diaphragm
Mnemonic: C3, 4, 5 keeps the diaphragm alive
Phrenic nerve (C3-5):
- Motor innervation of diaphragm
- Sensory innervation of central part of diaphragm
Sensory supply to peripheral portion of diaphragm is from intercostal nerves (T7-T12).
