Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

BLOCK C - CIRCULATION > Anatomy of the Mediastinum > Flashcards

Anatomy of the Mediastinum Flashcards

1
Q

From an anterior view, the esophagus is…
a) anterior to the trachea
b) posterior to the trachea

A

b) posterior to the trachea

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

The 3 branches of the aortic arch are..

A
  1. Brachiocephalic trunk
  2. Left common carotid
  3. Left subclavian artery
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

The branchiocephalic trunk branches out into… (2)

A
  1. Right common carotid
  2. Right subclavian
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

The superior vena cava branches out into… (2)

A
  1. Left brachiocephalic vein
  2. Right brachiocephalic vein
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

The brachiocephalic veins further branch out into… (2)

A

Internal jugular veins and subclavian veins

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Where can you find the arch of the azygous vein?

A

In the superior mediastinum, drains into SVC.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What important lymphatic structure is located in the superior mediastinum?

A

Thoracic duct (on the left side)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the function of the thoracic duct? Where does it drain?

A

Returns 75% of total lymphatic fluid to venous circulation. It drains at the venous angle between the left subclavian and the left internal jugular veins.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the main nerve found in the superior mediastinum?

A

Vagus nerve (running down both on the left and right).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Which laryngeal nerve has a longer course? What do they branch off of?

A

The left laryngeal nerve is longer than the right. Both branch off the vagus nerve (L&R).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Which laryngeal nerve passes through the superior mediastinum, and which does not?

A

Left laryngeal nerve has a portion in the superior mediastinum, the ight does not.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

The vagus nerve is also known as…

A

the cranial nerve X

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

In the superior mediastinum, the vagus nerve gives rise to…

A

parasympathetic nerves that contribute to the cardiac and pulmonary plexuses.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What do laryngeal nerves innervate?

A

Laryngeal nerves innervate most laryngeal muscles (muscle of the larynx).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Impingement of laryngeal nerves can lead to…

A

hoarseness or dysphonia.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

The left laryngeal nerve branches off the vagus and loops under…

The right laryngeal nerve branches off the vagus and loops under…

A

The left laryngeal nerve branches off the vagus and loops under the AORTIC ARCH.

The right laryngeal nerve branches off the vagus nerve and loops under the BRACHIOCEPHALIC TRUNK or RIGHT SUBCLAVIAN.

17
Q

The anterior mediastinum is primarily occupied by…

A

the thymus gland

18
Q

What is the function of the thymus gland?

A

Organ of the lymphatic system, responsible for the differentiation of T cells.

19
Q

How does the thymus gland change with age?

A

Because it is involved with immune system development, it will be larger in childhood/youth and will degenerate in adults (becomes fibro-fatty tissue).

20
Q

What are the 5 important components of the middle mediastinum?

A
  1. Heart
  2. Neurovasculature outside the pericardium (phrenic nerve, pericardiacophrenic arteries and veins)
  3. Neurovasculature inside the pericardium (cardiac plexus, coronary circulation)
  4. Roots of great vessels
  5. Primary bronchi
21
Q

How come the posterior mediastinum communicates freely with the superior mediastinum?

A

Because many structures are continuous between these two compartments, e.g. sympathetic chain, vagus nerve, esophagus, aorta, azygos vein, thoracic duct).

22
Q

Which part of the mediastinum houses the descending aorta?

A

Posterior mediastinum

23
Q

Azygos and hemi-azygos veins drain…

A

the posterior thoracic and abdominal walls

24
Q

The azygos vein provides a collateral passage for venous blood to…

A

bypass blockages in the vena cavae

25
Q

The thoracic duct drains 3/4 of the body’s lymph. What drains the remaining 1/4?

A

The right lymphatic duct (into the brachiocephalic veins and at the venous angles)

26
Q

The thoracic portion of the aorta gives rise to…

A

the posterior intercostal arteries from rib 3 to 12

27
Q

Posterior intercostal arteries anastomose with

A

anterior intercostal arteries

28
Q

Posterior intercostal arteries are found between what muscle layers?

A

Internal and innermost intercostal muscles

29
Q

The esophagus passes through the diaphragm at the level…

A

T10

30
Q

The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the … to…

A

connects the pharynx to the stomach

31
Q

Which subdivisions of the mediastinum does the esophagus run through?

A

The superior and posterior mediastinum

32
Q

How is the esophagus positioned relative to the aorta in the posterior meidastinum?

A

At first, it is to the right of the aorta, but then moves anterior to the aorta and through the diaphragm.

33
Q

The opening in the diaphragm for the esophagus is called…

A

esophageal hiatus

34
Q

As they enter the posterior mediastinum, the vagus nerves pass…
a) anterior to the hilum of the lungs
b) posterior to the hilum of the lungs

A

b) posterior to the hilum of the lungs

35
Q

Below the hilum of the lungs:
The right vagus nerve becomes…
The let vagus nerve becomes…

A

The right vagus nerve becomes the posterior vagal trunk.

The left vagus nerve becomes anterior vagal trunk.

LARP mnemonic

BLOCK C - CIRCULATION (10 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions