Which structure does the esophagus NOT pass through?

The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach, and it passes through various anatomical structures as it descends through the thorax and into the abdomen. It enters the abdominal cavity through the esophageal hiatus, which is an opening in the diaphragm specifically designated for the esophagus.

The aortic hiatus is another structure that the esophagus does not pass through, as this opening in the diaphragm allows the aorta, along with the thoracic duct and the azygos vein, to enter the abdominal cavity. The thoracic duct, which is a major lymphatic vessel, also runs in a separate pathway and does not directly interact with the esophagus.

The correct answer identifies that the esophagus does not pass through the thoracic duct, emphasizing the anatomical distinction between the esophagus and the lymphatic vessel. The thoracic duct is part of the lymphatic system and collects lymph from the body, whereas the esophagus is part of the digestive system. This separation underlines the functional differences between the structures, helping to clarify the pathways each takes in the body.