pleuroperitoneal hiatus (Bochdalek foramen)

Introduction

An opening through the diaphragm connecting pleural & peritoneal cavities, usually the result of defective development of the pleuroperitoneal membrane in the embryo.

Pathology

• defect, if extensive - there may be herniation of digestive organs into the pleural cavity.

More general terms

• foramen

Additional terms

• lumbocostal triangle of diaphragm (vertebrocostal trigone or triangle, Bochdalek gap)

Component of

• diaphragm muscle