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Year 2 Semester 1 Part 1 > Anatomy of the Thoracic Cavity > Flashcards

Anatomy of the Thoracic Cavity Flashcards

1
Q
A
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2
Q

What is a Body Cavity?

A

An area of the body which confines organs and systems with related functions. Lined by serous membranes.

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3
Q

What makes up the Thoracic Cavity?

A

Lungs and Chest Wall - Lined with Pleura
Heart - Covered by Pericardium

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4
Q

What lines the Abdominal and Pelvic Cavities?

A

Peritoneum

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5
Q

How is the Thoracic Cavity divided?

A

Divided into two independant pleural cavities and the mediastinum between them

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6
Q

Where are the attachments of the Parietal Pleura?

A
  • Thorax wall (Costal Pleura)
  • Fascia at Thoracic Inlet (T1 and Rib 1)
  • Fibrous Pericardium (Mediastinal Pleura)
  • Diaphragm (Diaphragmatic Pleura)
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7
Q

What are the two Pleural Surfaces?

A

Visceral - closest to the organ
Parietal - closest to the outside of the body

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8
Q

What is the Mediastinum?

A

Space found between the pleural sacs, sternum, costal cartilages, thoracic vertebrae and the diaphragm. It is highly mobile and allows for changes in volume and pressure.

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9
Q

Describe the location of the Superior Mediastinum

A

Between the thoracic inlet and the plane of the sternal angle (T4/T5 disc)

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10
Q

Describe the location of the Inferior Mediastinum

A

Between the plane of the Sternal Angle (T4/T5 disc) and the Diaphragm

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11
Q

What structures are found to the right of the Mediastinum?

A

Structures related to the right atrium and veins:
* Superior Vena Cava
* Arch of the Azygos Vein
* Inferior Vena Cava

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12
Q

What structures are found to the left of the Mediastinum?

A

Structures related to the left ventricle and arteries:
* Left Common Carotid Artery
* Left Subclavian Artery
* Arch of Aorta
* Thoracic Aorta

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13
Q

What is found in the Middle Mediastinum?

A
  • Pericardium
  • Heart
  • Origins of Aorta and Pulmonary Trunk
  • Terminal points of Superior and Inferior Vena Cava
  • Some smaller blood vessels (pulmonary veins)
  • Phrenic Nerves
  • Branches of Vagus
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14
Q

Describe the Structure of the Pericardium

A

Fibro-serous sac that encloses Heart and roots of the Great Vessels

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15
Q

What is the Function of the Pericardium?

A
  • Anchors the heart in place without compromising cardiac movement
  • Prevents overexpansion of the heart
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16
Q

What are the layers of Pericardium?

A
  • Fibrous (external)
  • Serous (internal)
17
Q

Describe the attachments of the Fibrous Pericardium

A
  • Adventitia of the Great Vessels
  • Sternum and Costal Cartilage 3-6 (sterno-pericardial ligament)
  • T5-T8 vertebrae (pericardiovertebral ligaments)
  • Diaphragm (Pericardiophrenic ligament)
18
Q

What are the layers of the Serous Pericardium?

A
  • Parietal Layer
  • Visceral Layer
19
Q

Describe the location of the Parietal Layer of the Serous Pericardium

A

Lines the inner aspect of the fibrous pericardium

20
Q

Describe the Visceral Layer of the Serous Pericardium

A

Same as the epicardium

21
Q

Where is the Pericardial Cavity?

A

Between the Parietal and Visceral Layers of Serous Pericardium

22
Q

Describe the Pericaridal Fluid

A
  • Produced by Serous Pericardium
  • Reduces Friction during contraction of heart
  • Typically 10-15ml
23
Q

Describe the location of the Transverse Pericardial Sinus

A
  • Posterior to the Ascending Aorta and Pulmonary Trunk
  • Anterior to the Superior Vena Cava
24
Q

Describe the location of the Oblique Pericardial Sinus

A

Surrounded by the reflection of the Serous Pericardium around the right and left Pulmonary Veins and Inferior Vena Cava

Pink Arrow
25
Q

What does the phrenic nerve innervate?

A

Motor supply to:
* Diaphragm

Sensory supply to:
* Mediastinal Parietal Pleura
* Peritoneum
* Parietal Pericardium
* Pleura related to the central tendon of the diaphragm

26
Q

Where would you feel Phrenic Refered Pain?

A
  • Back of Neck
  • Supraclavicular Region
  • Shoulder Tip
27
Q

Describe the location of the Anterior Mediastinum

A

Bounded by sternum and xiphisternum, pericardium and lungs with pleura. Prevascular compartment.

28
Q

What Structures are found within the Anterior Mediastinum?

A
  • Thymus
  • Internal Thoracic Vessels
  • Lymph Nodes
  • Connective Tissue
  • Fat Tissue
  • Lower pole of Thyroid
29
Q

Describe the location of the Thymus Gland

A

Between the Manubrium and Sternum and the Pericardium. Extends from Jugular Notch to 4th Costal Cartilage.

30
Q

Describe the Structure of the Thymus Gland

A

Bi-lobed organ of Lymphoid Tissue active in childhood until puberty. Increasing fibro-fatty infiltration with age
Related to:
* Pericardium
* Superior Vena Cava
* Aorta
* Left and Right Brachiocephalic Veins
* Pleura
* Phrenic Nerves
* Trachea

Year 2 Semester 1 Part 1 (3 decks)

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