Chapter 25 Mediastinum Flashcards
Where is the costal parietal pleura found?
lines the sternum, ribs, and intercostal muscles
Where is the cupolar (cervical) parietal pleura found?
over the apex of the lungs; reaches as high as the neck of the first rib
Where is the diaphragmatic parietal pleura found?
upper surface of the diaphragm
Where is the mediastinal parietal pleura found?
lateral boundary of the mediastinum
What is found between the visceral and parietal pleuras?
Pleural cavity
What does the pleural cavity contain?
a thin film of fluid and is as thick as a capillary
Where does the diaphragm originate?
- Periphery posterior to the xiphoid process
- Lower 6 ribs
- Posterior abdominal wall
What are the 3 openings of the diaphragm?
- TV8
- TV10
- TV12
At what level are the openings of the diaphragm found?
- TV8: Caval opening of the inferior vena cava
- TV10: Esophageal hiatus & CN X, vagus nerve
- TV12: Aortic hiatus
What structures are found in the posterior mediastinum?
- Thoracic aorta
- Esophagus
- Thoracic duct
- Vagus nerve
- Azygos vein
- Sympathetic trunk
What structures are found in the superior mediastinum?
- Thymus
- Great vessels (aorta, superior vena cava, pulmonary trunk)
- Brachiocephalic veins
- Trachea
- Esophagus
- Thoracic duct
- Vagus nerve & recurrent laryngeal nerve
- Phrenic nerve
- Azygos vein
What structures are found in the middle mediastinum?
- Heart
- Great vessels
- Pericardium
- Phrenic nerve
What structures are found in the anterior mediastinum?
- Loose CT
- Thymus
What is the visceral pleura?
Membrane that covers the lungs
What tissue is the visceral pleura made of?
Thin, loose CT
