GROSS ANATOMY OF THE LUNGS AND MEDIASTINUM Flashcards
What do the visceral and parietal pleura of the lungs cover?
The visceral pleura covers the surface of the lungs whilst the parietal pleura lines the pulmonary cavity
Why is it important to have a recess between the visceral and parietal pleura?
To allow room for inspiration
What is the lung Hilum?
The place where structures enter and exit the lungs
What enters the lungs at the hilum?
Bronchi, pulmonary arteries
Pulmonary veins, bronchial arteries and veins, pulmonary nerves, lymphatic vessels
What is the mediastinum?
The contents of the thorax that are not the lungs
What can be found in the superior mediastinum?
Aortic arch and branches Brachiocephalic veins Trachea Oesophagus Thoracic duct Vagus and phrenic nerves
What can be found in the anterior portion of the inferior mediastinum?
Thymus
Lymph nodes
Sternopericardial ligaments to keep the heart in place
Internal thoracic vessels
What can be found in the middle portion of the inferior mediastinum?
Pericardium, heart, phrenic nerve, deep cardiac plexus
Pulmonary vasculature
What can be found in the aposterior portion of the inferior mediastinum?
Oesophagus Vagus nerve Thoracic duct Descending thoracic aorta Azygos vein Hemiazygos vein Lymph nodes
