3.2 Mediastinum Flashcards
What is classified as the mediastinum?
Area between the pulmonary cavities
What landmark determines the superior mediastinum from the inferior mediastinum?
Plane of Louis
Describe the vein structures of the superior mediastinum
SVC-R Brachiocephalic vein- R Subclavian- R Internal jugular- L Brachiocephalic- L subclavian- L Internal jugular
Are the brachiocephalic veins the same length?
The left brachiocephalic vein needs to travel further as to reach the right atrium
Describe the arteries of the superior mediastinum
Ascending aorta- Brachiocephalic artery- R Subclavian artery- R common carotid- Arch of aorta- L Subclavian- L common carotid.
L/R pulmonary arteries, pulmonary trunk
Name the 3 nerves seen around the heart
R/L Vague nerve, R/L Phrenic nerves, R/L recurrent laryngeal nerves
Describe the order of organs starting most superficially to most deep in the superior mediastinum
Skin, Ribs, Thymus, Veins, Arteries, Nerves, Trachea, Oesophagus, Vertebral column and Thoracic Duct
Define the boundaries of the anterior inferior mediastinum
Between the heart surface and sternum- fat, lymph and thymus
Define the boundaries of the middle inferior mediastinum
Great vessels and the heart
Define the boundaries of the posterior inferior mediastinum
Everything else- thoracic duct, vagus nerves, oesophagus, descending aorta, phrenic nerves
Describe the Azygous Vein path
Moves behind the L main bronchus, arches over R main bronchus into the SVC
Drains the the right side of the abdomin and the right intercostal veins
Describe the Hemiazygous vein
Drains everything from T9/T8 down and lower intercostals on the left side. This drains into the Azygous vein
Describe the Accessory vein
Drains everything from T8 up and posterior left intercostal vein. This drains into the Azygous vein
