Which of the following does not pass through diaphragm?

The aorta descends from the thoracic cavity through the aortic hiatus in the diaphragm at vertebral level T12, but this is more of a passage behind the diaphragm rather than a true penetration. In contrast, the inferior vena cava passes through the vena caval hiatus, and the esophagus passes through the esophageal hiatus: both are true openings in the diaphragm. The aorta's relationship is different; it passes posteriorly without actually going through an opening in the diaphragmatic muscle.