Which structure forms the central tendon of the diaphragm?

Which structure forms the central tendon of the diaphragm?

• A. Diaphragm
• B. Rectus abdominis
• C. External oblique
• D. Splenius capitis

Answer: (A)

The central tendon is a strong aponeurotic center that the diaphragm’s muscle fibers converge on. It is formed by the diaphragm itself—the muscle fibers radiate into this central tendon, which serves as a stable, non-muscular anchor for the diaphragm’s contraction. This arrangement lets the diaphragmatic muscles pull against a solid center to flatten the diaphragm and expand the thoracic cavity during inspiration. The other muscles listed are not involved in forming this tendon; they belong to the abdominal wall and neck and do not contribute to the diaphragm’s central aponeurosis.

The central tendon is a strong aponeurotic center that the diaphragm’s muscle fibers converge on. It is formed by the diaphragm itself—the muscle fibers radiate into this central tendon, which serves as a stable, non-muscular anchor for the diaphragm’s contraction. This arrangement lets the diaphragmatic muscles pull against a solid center to flatten the diaphragm and expand the thoracic cavity during inspiration. The other muscles listed are not involved in forming this tendon; they belong to the abdominal wall and neck and do not contribute to the diaphragm’s central aponeurosis.