title: Surgical conditions of the diaphragm: anatomy and physiology.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G2C4, Canada.
authors.forename: Masaki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Anraku
authors.forename: Yaron
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shargall
mesh_terms: D003964:Diaphragm / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000502:physiology; D013710:Tendons; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures