Deep Neck: Thoracic Apeture

Question 1

What is the Superior Thoracic Aperture?

Answer 1

The opening through which structures of the neck pass into the thorax

Question 2

What are the boundaries of the Superior Thoracic Aperture?

Answer 2

Posterior- 1st Thoracic Vertebra
Lateral- 1st Ribs and Their Cartilage
Anterior- Manubrium and Sternum

Question 3

T/F: The Superior Thoracic Aperture if heart shaped.

Answer 3

False: it is kidney shaped

Question 4

Which arteries pass through the aperture?

Answer 4

1) Brachiocephalic trunk (R/L)
2) Left Common Carotid Artery
3) Left Subclavian Artery
4) Internal Thoracic Artery

Question 5

Which of the arteries in the superior thoracic aperture come directly off of the aortic arch?

Answer 5

1) Left Common Carotid Artery

2) Left Subclavian Artery

Question 6

What vein(s) are located within the superior thoracic aperture?

Answer 6

1) Brachiocephalic Vein (R/L)- leading into the superior vena cava

Question 7

What nerves are located within the superior thoracic aperture?

Answer 7

1) Phrenic Nerve
2) Vagus Nerve
3) Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve
4) Sympathetic Trunk

Question 8

What visceral structures are located within the superior thoracic aperture?

Answer 8

1) Trachea
2) Esophagus
3) Cervical Pleura
4) Apex of the Lung
5) Thymus

Question 9

When fractured, what boney structure in the superior thoracic aperture can cause Atelectasis?

Answer 9

the 1st rib

Question 10

What is Atelectasis?

Answer 10

A Lung Collapse

Question 11

Where does the cervical pleura and the apex of the lung pass through he superior thoracic aperture and why is this significant clinically?

Answer 11

Just posterior to the origin of the Sternocleidomastroid. An injury to eh neck can then cause lung collapse.