Layers of Mediastinum

Question 0

Contents of Superior Mediastinum

Answer 0

SVC, brachiocephalic veins, arch of the aorta, thoracic duct, trachea, esophagus, thymus, vagus nerves, left recurrent laryngeal nerve, and phrenic nerves

Question 1

Superior Mediastinum

Answer 1

extends between the superior thoracic aperture to the horizontal transverse thoracic plane that passes through the sternal angle anteriorly and the IV disc of T4-T5 vertebrae posteriorly

Question 2

Inferior Mediatinum

Answer 2

between the transverse thoracic plane and the diaphragm- separated into the anterior mediastinum, middle mediastinum, and posterior mediastinum.

Question 3

Anterior Mediastinum

Answer 3

contains remnants of the thymus, lymph nodes, fat, and connective tissue

Question 4

Middle Mediastinum

Answer 4

Boundaries correspond to the pericardial sac, containing the heart, roots of great vessels, arch of azygos vein, and main bronchi

Question 5

Posterior Mediastinum

Answer 5

Posterior to the pericardium and containing the esophagus, thoracic aorta, azygos and hemi-azygos veins, thoracic duct, vagus nerves, sympathetic trunks, and sphalancnic nerves