The lumbocostal triangle (also Bochdalek's foramen, Bochdalek's triangle) is a space between the costal and lumbar parts of the diaphragm. The base of this triangular space is formed by muscle attachments originating from the XII rib and muscle fibers attaching to the

lateral arcuate ligament The lateral arcuate ligament (also lateral lumbocostal arch and external arcuate ligament) is a ligament under the diaphragm that arches across the upper part of the quadratus lumborum muscle. It is traversed by the subcostal nerve, artery and vein ...

. The apex of the triangle is oriented towards the tendinous centre of the diaphragm.

Parietal pleura The pulmonary pleurae (''sing.'' pleura) are the two opposing layers of serous membrane overlying the lungs and the inside of the surrounding chest walls. The inner pleura, called the visceral pleura, covers the surface of each lung and dips be ...

and

renal capsule The renal capsule is a tough fibrous layer surrounding the kidney and covered in a layer of perirenal fat known as the adipose capsule of kidney. The adipose capsule is sometimes included in the structure of the renal capsule. It provides some p ...

are in contact in this space, so possible infection can be transmitted through this space.

Clinical significance

The existence of this foramen might cause a

congenital diaphragmatic hernia Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a birth defect of the diaphragm. The most common type of CDH is a Bochdalek hernia; other types include Morgagni hernia, diaphragm eventration and central tendon defects of the diaphragm. Malformation of ...

Bochdalek hernia Bochdalek hernia is one of two forms of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, the other form being Morgagni hernia. A Bochdalek hernia is a congenital abnormality in which an opening exists in the infant's diaphragm, allowing normally intra-abdomin ...

. This condition has also been associated with thoracic kidney, the presence of the kidney in the thorax instead of the usual abdominal position.Doi, Y, Sakamoto A (2009) "Thoracic Kidney", N Engl J Med 361:e35.
Thoracic Kidney
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References

External links

Thoracic diaphragm {{anatomy-stub