Anatomical landmarks - mediastinum

Question 1

At what level does the trachea begin?

Answer 1

C6, the cricoid cartilage

Question 2

What does the right vagus nerve lie on?

Answer 2

The trachea

Question 3

What separates the left vagus nerve from the trachea?

Answer 3

The left common carotid, the left subclavian artery

Question 4

Which structures does the right phrenic nerve lie on? List them (4).

Answer 4

Venous structures:
R) brachicephalic v 
SVC
RA 
IVC.

Question 5

What structures does the left phrenic nerve lie on? List them (4)

Answer 5

Arterial structures:
 L) common carotid 
left subclavian
aortic arch
left ventricle

Question 6

What marks the division between the superior and inferior mediastinum?

Answer 6

Manubriosternal angle (of Louis)
Lower body of T4 vertebra

Question 7

What 6 anatomical features are found at the level of the division between the superior and inferior mediastinum?

Answer 7

Bifurcation of the trachea
Ligamentum arteriosum
Concavity of aortic arch
Azygous enters the SVC
Thoracic duct passes to the left hand side of oesophagus
Prevertebral fascia ends.

Question 8

What divides the inferior mediastinum? Into what parts?

Answer 8

The fibrous pericardium divides the inferior mediastinum into 3 parts - anterior, middle, and posterior.

Question 9

What are the components of the posterior mediastinum? (5)

Answer 9

Oesophagus
Thoracic aorta
Hemiazygous vein
Thoracic duct
Lymph nodes

Question 10

What are the components of the middle mediastinal compartment? (5)

Answer 10

Heart
Adjoining parts of great vessels
Lung roots
Phrenic nerves
Cardiac plexus

Question 11

What are the components of the anterior mediastinum? (4)

Answer 11

Thymus
Lymph nodes
Branches of the internal thoracic (mammary) vessels
Sternopericardial ligaments