Left crus
Crus sinistrum
- Related terms: left crus of lumbar part of diaphragm
Definition
The left crus of the diaphragm is a muscular structure found in the lumbar part of the diaphragm.
It rises from its corresponding tendon on the ventral face of the first lumbar vertebrae. Amongst the two of them, it is the smaller one. Together, the right and left crura create a path to the aorta through the aortic hiatus. They carry on until the central tendon and encircle, at the end of their prolongations sometimes known as "intermediate crura” (not distinct in all species), the oesophageal hiatus.
References
Barone R. Anatomie comparée des mammifères domestiques, Tome 2, Arthrologie et myologie, 4th edition, Vigot, Paris, 2017.
Sisson S, Grossman JD. The anatomy of the domestic animals. 5th ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders; 1975.
Evans HE, de Lahunta A. Miller’s anatomy of the dog, 4th edition, Elsevier Saunders, St Louis, 2012.
