Fibers that connect the vertebral column and the diaphragm are called what?

• A. Diaphragmatic crura
• B. Phrenic connectors
• C. Lumbar ligaments
• D. Diaphragmatic fascias

Answer: (A)

Fibers that connect the vertebral column to the diaphragm are the diaphragmatic crura. These two thick tendinous bands extend from the upper lumbar vertebrae up to the diaphragm, anchoring the diaphragm to the spine and helping suspend it during breathing. The right crus mainly comes from L1–L3 (sometimes L4) and the left from L1–L2, forming part of the posterior attachment of the diaphragm. Other terms aren’t used for this specific spine-to-diaphragm connection: there isn’t a recognized “phrenic connectors,” lumbar ligaments refer to other vertebral connections, and diaphragmatic fasciae describe surrounding connective tissue rather than the primary spinal attachments.