Surgical Conditions of the Diaphragm: Anatomy and Physiology

The diaphragm (Greek: dia = in-between, phragma = fence) is a musculoaponeurotic structure that serves as the most important respiratory muscle and the separating structure between the abdominal and thoracic cavities. This article reviews the anatomic components of the diaphragm, its pivotal role in respiration and in the gastroesophageal mechanism, and the surgical implications of the anatomic structuring.