Central tendon of diaphragm
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Central tendon of diaphragm | |
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![]() The diaphragm. Under surface. (Central tendon visible as large white central arch.) | |
![]() The thoracic aspect of the diaphragm of a newly born child in which the communication between the peritoneum and pleura has not been closed on the left side; the position of the opening is marked on the right side by the spinocostal hiatus. | |
Details | |
Precursor | Septum transversum |
Identifiers | |
Latin | centrum tendineum diaphragmatis |
TA98 | A04.4.02.013 |
TA2 | 2340 |
FMA | 58279 |
Anatomical terminology |
The central tendon of the
It is inferior to the
The
Structure
The central tendon is shaped somewhat like a trefoil leaf, consisting of three divisions or leaflets separated from one another by slight indentations. The right leaflet is the largest, the middle (directed toward the xiphoid process) the next in size, and the left the smallest.
The central tendon is composed of several planes of fibers, which intersect one another at various angles and unite into straight or curved bundles—an arrangement which gives it additional strength.
Action during respiration
During inspiration, the diaphragm contracts, causing the central tendon to be drawn inferiorly which partially flattens the domes bilaterally. The result is an increase in the thoracic volume and a reduction in intra-thoracic pressure. This reduction allows air to enter the lungs, enhancing venous return. During inspiration, the central tendon retains its shape due to its tendinous nature, and prevents constriction of the inferior vena cava.
Clinical significance
Rarely, a central tendon defect may be involved in a central congenital diaphragmatic hernia.[2] This may be repaired with thoracoscopic surgery.[2]
References
This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 406 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)
- ISBN 978-0-7020-4336-9, retrieved 2020-11-17
- ^ ISSN 2213-5766.