Lecture 8: Mediastinum

Question 1

What seperate a the superior mediastinum from the inferior mediastinum?

Answer 1

The plane of Louis

Question 2

Where is the anterior mediastinum, middle mediastinum and posterior mediastinum in relation to the heart ?

Answer 2

Anterior mediastinum - in front of heart
Middle mediastinum - contains heart
Posterior mediastinum - behind heart
All 3 are part of the inferior mediastinum

Question 3

What features occur at the plane of Louis ?

Answer 3

• Ligamentum arteriosum runs through manubriosternal joint
• Marks the articulation of the 2nd costal cartilage to the sternum
• Marks the IVD between T4 and T5
• Bifurcation of the trachea
• Arch of aorta goes over the top
• Separates inferior and superior mediastinum
• Pulmonary trunk branches into two arteries to the lungs

Question 4

What structures are found in the superior mediastinum ?

Answer 4

Right brachiocephalic vein (shorter)
Left brachiocephalic vein (longer)
Right subclavian vein
Left subclavian vein
Right internal jugular vein
Left internal jugular vein
Superior vena cava
Arch of aorta
Brachiocephalic artery- Right subclavian artery, right common carotid artery 
Left common carotid artery 
Left subclavian artery