Final answer:
The esophagus penetrates the diaphragm through the esophageal hiatus at the level of T10.
Step-by-step explanation:
The esophagus cuts through the esophageal hiatus at T10, not the aorta, inferior vena cava, or thoracic duct. The esophagus is a muscular tube approximately 25.4 cm (10 in) in length, located posterior to the trachea. It runs a mainly straight route through the mediastinum of the thorax and to enter the abdomen, it penetrates the diaphragm at the esophageal hiatus. The aorta, thoracic duct, and azygos vein pass through the aortic hiatus, while the inferior vena cava passes through the caval opening.