Hiatus, Hole (Hiatus)

A hiatus, or foramen, is a fissure or opening in a structure or organ.

The best known example of a hiatus is the opening in the diaphragm, the muscular septum separating the chest and abdominal cavities. The diaphragm has two main holes:

  1. Esophageal opening - the esophagus passes through this opening, connecting the mouth to the stomach.

  2. Aortic orifice - This is where the aorta, a large artery that carries blood from the heart to the lower parts of the body, passes through.

In addition to these two main ones, the diaphragm has several smaller holes for the passage of nerves and blood vessels.

The term "hiatus" can also be used to refer to gaps or openings in other parts of the body. For example, in the bones of the skull there are several hiatus for the passage of cranial nerves and blood vessels.

Thus, hiatus or foramen is an anatomical term for a gap or hole in the structure of the body, most often for the passage of some anatomical formation.



A hiatus, or foramen, is a fissure or opening in a structure or organ.

For example, in the diaphragm, the muscular septum that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity, there are two main openings:

  1. Esophageal opening (hiatus esophageus) - for the passage of the esophagus from the chest cavity to the abdominal cavity.

  2. Aortic opening (hiatus aorticus) - for the passage of the aorta from the thoracic cavity to the abdominal cavity.

Additionally, in medicine, the term "hiatus" is used to refer to cracks or openings in other organs and structures, for example:

  1. Posterior nasopharyngeal opening (hiatus pharyngonasalis) - connects the nasopharynx and nasal cavity.

  2. Openings between vertebrae for the passage of spinal nerves.

  3. Hiatal hernia - way out



Hiatus (hole) is an anatomical formation that is found in various organs and systems of the body. In some cases, hiatus can be dangerous to human health and life. Let's look at some examples of hiatus.

Esophageal opening

The hiatus is the opening through which the esophagus passes from the pharynx to the stomach. Hiatus of the esophagus can occur with various diseases, such as hiatal hernia, esophageal stenosis, esophageal diverticula and others. In this case, hiatus of the esophagus causes chest pain, heartburn, belching and other symptoms that can lead to serious health consequences.

Aortic orifice

The aortic orifice is the gap between the aorta and its branches. Aortic hiatus occurs with an aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, or other diseases that lead to dilation of the aorta and displacement of its branches. Aortic hiatus can be life-threatening as it can cause aortic rupture and bleeding.

Diaphragmatic hole

The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities. The diaphragm contains two openings - the esophageal and aortic openings. Hiatuses of the diaphragm can occur due to injuries, tumors, infections and other diseases. Hiatuses can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing and other symptoms.

In conclusion, hiatus are important anatomical structures that are found in various organs. They can be hazardous to health and require timely treatment. Therefore, it is important to know about hiatus and its symptoms in order to consult a doctor promptly and avoid serious health consequences.



Hole, also known as Hiatus, is a concept that refers to an opening in any system or organ. The holes can be of either natural or artificial origin. Some examples of openings include: the diaphragm and its branches; the space between two partitions in the heart; and the gap between the aorta and esophagus in the diaphragm.

The hole plays an important role in the animal and human body because it allows air, liquid and food to pass through a specific place. This allows fluids to flow back and forth, which helps keep physiological processes intact.

When differentiating between the esophageal and aortic openings, pay attention to their functions and locations. The esophageal opening allows the pharynx to hold food for digestion. The aorta is an artery that supplies blood to arteries throughout the body. Another interesting note! The laryngeal canal is another opening present in the structure of the throat. It is divided into two parts, the upper and lower part, which allows air to pass from the pharynx into the nasal cavity. The hole can be useful for understanding medical diagnoses.

For example, diagnosing gastric hiatus may indicate the presence of a disease of the stomach or esophagus. Studying the diseases associated with this particular hole can help doctors determine the cause of the disease and choose the most effective treatment method. This hole can also be attributed to the diagnosis of diaphragm pathology. This event indicates a pathological fusion of two parts of the esophageal mucosa with the ribs (so-called atresia). Disturbances of diaphragmatic communications in the chest cavity are not always accompanied by the appearance of symptoms, appearing immediately only with aspiration of food or saliva. They are also often associated with gastrointestinal bleeding that occurs after distilled acid passes through the stomach.