AN ANATOMICAL OBSERVATION ON THE CENTRAL TENDON OF THE HUMAN DIAPHRAGM / 解剖学报

ABSTRACT

The diaphragm of 36 specimens (34 fetuses and 2 adults) of both sexes were studied anatomically. The central tendon of the diaphragm are trilaminar. The aponeurotic fiber bundles of the diaphragm are always split into two in a V-shape. Most of the aponeurotic fibers of the anterior leaf of the central tendon continue across the midline with the corresponding aponeurotic fibers of the opposite side to form the superficial and deep layers of the lateral leaf. The diaphragm with its central tendon has a structure similar to the digastric muscles (between the anterior and posterior, the left and right). The central tendon may be considered as a common area of decussation of intermediateaponeurosis rather than an insertion of the peripheral fleshy fibers.The present study shows that the splitting of the aponeurotic bundles of the central tendon and trilaminar arrangement of each lobe of the central tendon are formed early in the fetal period. It is suggested that the arrangement of the aponeuroses of the central tendon may give the diaphragm more elasticity and tenacity, which is advantageous for respiration.