Three Diaphragms Lab Report

1. INTRODUCTION
There are many global connections between the three diaphragms. As stated by Andrew Taylor Still, “all parts of the body have direct and indirect connection with the diaphragm” (Frymann, 1968). These interrelationships amplify the importance of the synchronistic functions between the three diaphragms to facilitate a balance of the vascular, neurological, and physiological systems as a whole. Lesions and/or restrictions in the function of one of the three diaphragms will, directly and indirectly, result in an imbalance in the various systems within these anatomical connections. The following discussion of the three diaphragms will begin with a review of the anatomy of the cranial, thoracic, and pelvic diaphragms as well as the
With sternal, costal, and vertebral insertions, the thoracic diaphragm attaches anteriorly at the xyphoid process, antero-laterally to the last six ribs and their corresponding cartilage, postero-laterally to ribs 11 and 12, and posteriorly at T12 (Moore, Agur, and Dalley, 2010). Lumbar vertebral attachments are provided via the continuation of fibers forming the left and right crura. The larger right crus inserts on the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies of L1 to L3 (and occasionally to L4) and the corresponding intervertebral discs while the smaller left crus inserts on the anterior vertebral bodies of the L1 to L2 (occasionally L3). The crura blend with the costal margins of the diaphragm via the medial and lateral arcuate ligaments. Arching over the psoas from the vertebral body and disc to the transverse process of L1/L2, the fibers of the medial arcuate ligament blends with the fascia of the psoas. The lateral arcuate ligament travels from the transverse process of L1 to the 12th rib forming the lumbocostal triangle and arching over the quadratus lumborum, blending with its corresponding
It also has various ligamentous and fascial connections to corresponding viscera. These include the pericardium via the prepericardial ligament, the liver via the coronary ligament, the descending colon via the colic angle ligament, and the kidneys and adrenal glands through the renal and adrenal fascia. The continuity of the fascia from the diaphragm to the surrounding tissues will be explored further in the discussion of the anatomical interrelationships between the three diaphragms in Chapter