Caval opening of the diaphragm

Foramen venae cavae

MuscularDeep musclesThorax

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What it is
Opening in the central tendon at about the T8 level, just right of the midline, transmitting the inferior vena cava and branches of the right phrenic nerve.
Function
Lets the inferior vena cava through; its tendinous rim is pulled open during inspiration.
Size
About 2.5 cm across.
Clinical note
The highest of the three large openings: "I 8 10 Eggs At 12" — IVC T8, oesophagus T10, aorta T12.

Nearby muscular structures Aortic hiatus (median arcuate ligament), Central tendon of the diaphragm, Infraspinatus, Oesophageal hiatus, Pectoralis major, Pectoralis minor, Rhomboid major, Serratus anterior, Subscapularis, Teres major