The diaphragm is primarily innervated by
the phrenic nerve
Does the phrenic nerve pass through the diaphragm?
The phrenic nerve is a bilateral, mixed nerve that originates from the cervical nerves in the neck and descends through the thorax
to innervate the diaphragm
. It is the only source of motor innervation to the diaphragm and therefore plays a crucial role in breathing.
What causes pain under diaphragm area?
Trauma, twisting movements, and excessive coughing can
all strain the rib muscles
, which can cause a pain similar to diaphragm pain. The pain of broken ribs can also resemble diaphragm pain. Treatment options include: over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve)
Does vagus nerve innervate diaphragm?
The phrenic is the motor and sensory nerve of the diaphragm. The
vagus provides the parasympathetic supply for all the organs of the thorax and abdomen
. The courses of these two nerves are similar: they both start in the neck, run downward in the mediastinum, and pass through the diaphragm.
What GI organ passes through the diaphragm?
There are three large openings (holes) through the diaphragm: The esophageal opening (esophageal hiatus), through which the
esophagus
, right and left vagus nerves, and left gastric artery and vein pass. The aortic opening (aortic hiatus), through which the aorta, thoracic duct, and azygous vein pass.
Where does the phrenic nerve pass through the diaphragm?
The right phrenic nerve passes over the brachiocephalic artery, posterior to the subclavian vein, and then crosses the root of the right lung anteriorly and then leaves the thorax by passing through the vena cava hiatus opening in the diaphragm at the level of T8. The right phrenic nerve passes over
the right atrium
.
What spinal level is the diaphragm?
It is located at the level of
T10
. The posterior and anterior vagal nerves are also found passing through this hiatus. Finally, the aortic hiatus is located between the two crura at the level of T12.
What kind of doctor treats the diaphragm?
Thoracic surgeons
treat patients who require surgical solution to diseases and disorders of the chest, including disorders of the diaphragm.
What are the symptoms of a weak diaphragm?
Symptoms of significant, usually bilateral diaphragm weakness or paralysis are
shortness of breath when lying flat, with walking or with immersion in water up to the lower chest
. Bilateral diaphragm paralysis can produce sleep-disordered breathing with reductions in blood oxygen levels.
What does a diaphragm spasm feel like?
Diaphragm spasms are involuntary contractions of the band of muscle that divides the upper abdomen and chest. They may feel like
a twitch or flutter
and can occur with or without pain.
What spinal nerve controls the diaphragm?
The phrenic nerve
originates at the C3 through C5 nerve roots, which exits the spinal canal at the neck root and descends caudally, parallel to the pericardial sac to provide the motor innervation to the diaphragm.
What are symptoms of vagus nerve damage?
- difficulty speaking or loss of voice.
- a voice that is hoarse or wheezy.
- trouble drinking liquids.
- loss of the gag reflex.
- pain in the ear.
- unusual heart rate.
- abnormal blood pressure.
- decreased production of stomach acid.
Does the esophagus pass through the diaphragm?
The esophagus runs behind the windpipe (trachea) and heart, and in front of the spine. Just before entering the stomach,
the esophagus passes through the diaphragm
. The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is a bundle of muscles at the top of the esophagus.
Are the lungs attached to the diaphragm?
The diaphragm is attached to
the base of the sternum
, the lower parts of the rib cage, and the spine. As the diaphragm contracts, it increases the length and diameter of the chest cavity and thus expands the lungs.
What organ is under the diaphragm?
Both
the liver and the stomach
are located in the lower chest region under the thoracic diaphragm, a sheet of muscle at the bottom of the rib cage that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity.
