Lab 7 - The Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems

Question 1

Mediastinum

Answer 1

• region between the pleural cavities
• extends from the sternum anteriorly to the bodies of the thoracic vertebrae posteriorly
• from superior thoracic aperture to inferior thoracic aperture
• contains viscera such as thymus gland, pericardial sac and the heart, the trachea, and the roots of the great vessels
• contains the esophagus, thoracic duct and components of the peripheral nervous system

Question 2

Subdivisions of the Mediastinum

Answer 2

• Superior Mediastinum - inferior limit –> a horizontal plane passing through the sternal angle and the intervertebral disc between T4 and T5
  - continuous below with inferior mediastinum
  - lateral border - the right and left mediastinal parietal pleura
• inferior mediastinum
  subdivisions:
  • anterior mediastinum - between sternum and pericardial sac
  • middle mediastinum - consists of pericardial sac and contents
  • posterior mediastinum - between the pericardial sac and the vertebrae T5-T12

Question 3

Superior Mediastinum contents

Answer 3

• superior mediastinum b