The medial arcuate ligament (also medial lumbocostal arch and internal arcuate ligament) is a tendinous fascia that arches over the
psoas major
The psoas major ( or ; from grc, ψόᾱ, psóā, muscles of the loins) is a long fusiform muscle located in the lateral lumbar region between the vertebral column and the brim of the lesser pelvis. It joins the iliacus muscle to form the iliop ...
muscle as it passes posterior the
diaphragm.
Structure
The medial arcuate ligament is an arch in the fascia covering the upper part of the
psoas major
The psoas major ( or ; from grc, ψόᾱ, psóā, muscles of the loins) is a long fusiform muscle located in the lateral lumbar region between the vertebral column and the brim of the lesser pelvis. It joins the iliacus muscle to form the iliop ...
. It is attached to the side of the body of the first or second
lumbar vertebra
The lumbar vertebrae are, in human anatomy, the five vertebrae between the rib cage and the pelvis. They are the largest segments of the vertebral column and are characterized by the absence of the foramen transversarium within the transverse ...
, laterally, it is fixed to the front of the transverse process of the first and, sometimes also, to that of the second lumbar vertebra.
It lies between the
lateral arcuate ligament and the midline
median arcuate ligament
The median arcuate ligament is a ligament under the diaphragm that connects the right and left crura of diaphragm.
Structure
The median arcuate ligament is formed by the right and left crura of the diaphragm. The crura connect to form an arch, ...
.
The sympathetic chain enters the abdomen by passing deep into this ligament of the diaphragm. This is in contrast to the parasympathetic
Vagus nerve
The vagus nerve, also known as the tenth cranial nerve, cranial nerve X, or simply CN X, is a cranial nerve that interfaces with the parasympathetic control of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. It comprises two nerves—the left and righ ...
which passes through the
esophageal hiatus
In human anatomy, the esophageal hiatus is an opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus and the vagus nerve pass.
Structure
It is located in the right crus, one of the two tendinous structures that connect the diaphragm to the spine ...
.
See also
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Lateral arcuate ligament
*
Median arcuate ligament
The median arcuate ligament is a ligament under the diaphragm that connects the right and left crura of diaphragm.
Structure
The median arcuate ligament is formed by the right and left crura of the diaphragm. The crura connect to form an arch, ...
References
External links
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Ligaments of the torso
Thoracic diaphragm
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