The phrenoesophageal ligament (phrenicoesophageal ligament, or phrenoesophageal membrane) is the ligament by which the

esophagus The esophagus ( American English) or oesophagus (British English; both ), non-technically known also as the food pipe or gullet, is an organ in vertebrates through which food passes, aided by peristaltic contractions, from the pharynx to ...

is attached to the diaphragm. It is an extension of the inferior diaphragmatic fascia and is divided into an upper and lower limb which attach to the superior and inferior surfaces of the diaphragm respectively at the

esophageal hiatus In human anatomy, the esophageal hiatus is an opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus and the vagus nerve pass. Structure It is located in the right crus, one of the two tendinous structures that connect the diaphragm to the spine ...

. The upper limb attaches the esophagus to the superior surface of the diaphragm and the lower limb attaches the cardia region of the stomach to the inferior surface of the diaphragm at the cardiac notch of stomach. The ligament allows independent movement of the diaphragm and esophagus during respiration and swallowing.

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