Final answer:
A hiatal hernia is caused by a weakness in the diaphragm, specifically at the esophageal hiatus, where the esophagus connects to the stomach.
Step-by-step explanation:
A diaphragm weakening is the cause of a hiatal hernia. The diaphragm is a massive muscle with a dome form that divides the abdominal and chest cavities. One of the diaphragm's openings, the esophageal hiatus, allows the esophagus to connect to the stomach. When there is a weakness or enlargement of the hiatus, portions of the stomach can protrude through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, creating a hiatal hernia.
The muscular tube that joins the pharynx and stomach is called the esophagus. The esophagus passes through the esophageal gap to enter the abdomen after passing through the diaphragm. A hiatal hernia is not due to a weakness in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. Therefore, the correct answer to which part of the body the weakness occurs in for a hiatal hernia is "3) In the diaphragm".