central tendon of diaphragm (trefoil tendon)

Introduction

A three-lobed fibrous sheet comprising the center of the diaphragm. The caval foramen, through which the terminal part of the inferior vena cava passes to enter the heart, perforates this tendon.

Function

• provides attachment (insertion) for the moving end of the muscle fibers

More general terms

• tendon

Additional terms

• abdomen

Component of

• diaphragm muscle