Anatomy Flashcards
Vessels in superior mediastinum
Deep to manubrium
Contains superior vena cava and aorta
oesophagus
phrenic nerves (left and right) and vagus nerves (left and right)
thoracic duct
thymus gland
Contents of anterior inferior mediastinum
Fat and connective tissue
Contents of inferior middle mediastinum
Deep to anterior mediastinum and contains heart in pericardial sac
Contents of inferior posterior mediastinum
Deep to heart and contains descending thoracic aorta, thoracic lymphatic duct and oesophagus
Layer of the pericardium
Fibrous - Tough outer layer
Serous - Lines the fibrous pericardium (parietal layer) and also the the heart as epicardium (visceral layer).
What is the transverse sinus
Space posterior to the aorta and pulmonary trunk - can clamp the vessels with your fingers
What is the oblique sinus
Pericardial space posterior to the heart.
Innervation of the pericardium
C3-C5 Phrenic nerve. Pain, vasomotor innervation via sympathetic nerves.
Contents of the RA
Superior Vena Cava
Inferior Vena Cava
Coronary sinus
Fossa Ovale
Tricuspid Valve
Contents of the LA
4 Pulmonary Arteries - 2 x right and 2 x left
Foramen Ovale
Mitral Valve
Role of the right and left atrial appendage
Outpouching forwards
It helps regulate blood volume by releasing natriuretic peptides (proteins) when blood volume is high, causing the LAA walls to stretch.
The LAA acts as a decompression chamber during periods of high atrial pressure, particularly during left ventricular systole.
Contents of the R Ventricle
Infundibulum and conus leading to the Pulmonary valve
Tricuspid Valve
Trabeculae
Chordae Tendinae and papillary muscles
Tribeculae Carnae - criss cross wall pattern especially up to apex.
Function of chordae Tendinae and papillary muscles
Prevent valve leaflets prolapsing back into atrium during systole
Contents of L ventricle
Mitral Valve
Aortic Valve
2 sets of chordae tendinae on the posterolateral wall and anteromedial wall
Differences between R and L ventricle
R ventricle - Thinner wall with C shape
L Ventricle - Thick wall and Circle shaped
Leaflets on tricuspid and mitral valve
Tricuspid - 3 - Anterior, posterior and inferior
Mitral - Anterior and posterior
Branches of the pulmonary trunk
Right Pulmonary artery - Superior to LA and posterior to Superior Vena Cava
Left Pulmonary Artery
+ Ligamentum Anteriosum
Importance of ligaments Anteriosum
Remenant of the ductus arteriosus that connected pulmonary trunk to the aorta, so blood could bypass the lungs
Right Coronary Supply
Right aortic sinus –> right coronary artery -> Right atrioventricular groove to the right interventricular artery.
Left Coronary Supply
Left aortic sinus –> Left inter ventricular artery (LAD) + Left circumflex (underside in L atrioventricular groove)
Coronary veins
Leads back to the underside of the RA just below and anterior to the inferior vena cava
Attachments of the pericardium
Posterior of the sternum and superior aspect of the diaphragm.
Medially to the parietal pleura.
Supply of the LAD
Anterior and anterolateral walls of the left ventricle
Anterior septum
Supply of the LCx
Left Atrium
Posterior Left Ventricle
Supply of the RCA
Right Atrium
Right Ventricle
Inferior aspect of the LV
Posterior Septal Area
Branches of the ascending aorta
- Brachiocephalic. -> Right subclavian and right common carotid.
- Left Common Carotid
- Left Subclavian
After branches it leads to the descending aorta.
Veins from the SVC
SVC <– L+R Brachiocephalic Veins <– Internal jugular and subclavian vein anastomosed from the right side together and the left side together.
What is the pericardial cavity and its function.
Pericardial fluid filled space that lubricates the membranes allowing them to slide over each other to prevent friction upon heart beating.
Apex of the heart
The apex is formed by the left ventricle. It is located at the left 5th intercostal space in the midclavicular line and the apex beat is palpable here.
Borders of the heart
Right border = right atrium
* Left border = left ventricle
* Inferior border = right ventricle and part of the left ventricle.
Right border of the heart
lateral to the right sternal edge, from the right 3rd costal cartilage to the right 6th costal cartilage.
Left border of the heart
extends from the left 2nd intercostal space to the left 5th intercostal space in the midclavicular line (i.e. the apex).
Superior border of the heart
along the line connecting the superior extents of the right and left borders (i.e. from the right 3rd costal cartilage to the left 2nd intercostal space).
Inferior border of the heart
along the line connecting the inferior end of the right border with the apex (mostly formed by the right ventricle).
