5- Posterior Mediastinum

Question 1

Where do the vagus and phrenic nerves run in relation to the pericardium

Answer 1

Phrenic- front

Vagus- behind

Question 2

Which levels does the trachea run from

Answer 2

T4-t6

Question 3

Which vertebral levels does the oesophageal run from

Answer 3

C7-t11

Question 4

Where are the 4 constriction on the oesophagus

Answer 4

Junction of pharynx
Crossed by aortic arch
Left bronchus
Where goes through diaphragm

Question 5

How many splanchnic nerves are in the abdomen

Answer 5

3

Question 6

Where do the sympathetic trunks run from

Answer 6

T5-t12

Question 7

Describe the azygous veins

Answer 7

Drains posterior wall of chest and upper abdomen + posterior mediastinal organs
•Usually accessory hemiazygos (upper) and hemiazygos (lower) veins on left cross thoracic vertebral bodies to join single axygos vein on right
•Azygos vein arches over right lung root to enter SVC just above right atrium

Question 8

What makes up the posterior mediastinum

Answer 8

Oesophagus
•Descending aorta
•Thoracic duct
•Azygos venous system
•Posterior mediastinal lymph nodes
•Thoracic sympathetic trunks
•Splanchnic nerves

Question 9

Where does the oesophagus pass through the diaphragm at

Answer 9

T10

Question 10

Describe the sympathetic trunks

Answer 10

Receive branches from spinal nerves T1 - L2
•Distribute sympathetic nerves to smooth muscle and glands throughout body
•Nerves to body wall synapse in ganglia of trunks
•Nerves to internal organs (viscera) synapse in local ganglia
•Also bring pain fibres back to CNS from viscera

Question 11

What is the thoracic duct

Answer 11

Lymph duct returning lymph from lower limbs, pelvis, abdomen & left thoracic wall to blood
•Begins below diaphragm at cisterna chyli
•Starts between oesophagus and aorta on right
•Crosses behind oesophagus to left side between T7 and T4
•Drains into left brachiocephalic vein