Describe relations of the thoracic part of the esophagus from above downward??

The thoracic part of the esophagus is the portion of the esophagus that passes through the thoracic cavity, located between the neck and the abdomen. It can be divided into three main sections based on its relations from above downward:

1. Superior Thoracic Aperture: The esophagus begins at the level of the superior thoracic aperture, also known as the thoracic inlet. At this level, it is located posterior to the trachea and anterior to the vertebral column.

2. Mediastinum: As the esophagus descends into the thoracic cavity, it passes through the mediastinum, which is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. In the mediastinum, the esophagus is located posterior to the trachea and the heart, and anterior to the vertebral column.

3. Diaphragm: The esophagus continues its descent through the diaphragm, a muscular structure that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities. It passes through an opening in the diaphragm called the esophageal hiatus. At this level, the esophagus is located posterior to the diaphragm and anterior to the vertebral column.

Overall, the relations of the thoracic part of the esophagus from above downward include the trachea, vertebral column, heart, and diaphragm.