Mediastinal Divisions and Contents

Question 1

What is the space called between the pleural cavities?

Answer 1

Mediastinum

Question 2

T or F. The mediastinum contains all of the structures of the thorax.

Answer 2

False; does not contain the lungs and pleurae

Question 3

The sternal angle indicates the level of the… (5)

Answer 3

1) Boundary between the superior and inferior mediastinum
2) Articulation of the second rib with the sternum
3) Aortic arch
4) Bifurcation of the trachea into the left and right main bronchi
5) Upper border of the pulmonary trunk

Question 4

Name the contents of the superior mediastinum. (10)

Answer 4

1) Superior vena cava
2) Brachiocephalic veins
3) Arch of the aorta + branches
4) Thoracic duct
5) Trachea
6) Esophagus
7) Thymus
8) Vagus Nerve
9) Left recurrent laryngeal nerve
10) Phrenic nerve

Question 5

What are the three compartments of the inferior mediastinum?

Answer 5

1) Anterior mediastinum
2) Middle mediastinum
3) Posterior mediastinum

Question 6

Which compartment of the inferior mediastinum contains the thymus and parasternal lymph nodes?

Answer 6

Anterior mediastinum

Question 7

Which nodes are enlarged in breast and lung cancer?

Answer 7

Parasternal lymph nodes

Question 8

Which compartment of the inferior mediastinum contains the heart, pericardium, roots of great vessels, main bronchi, and the phrenic nerve?

Answer 8

Middle mediastinum

Question 9

Which compartment of the inferior mediastinum contains the esophagus, thoracic aorta, azygos vein, hemiazygos vein, thoracic duct, vagus nerve, and splanchnic nerves?

Answer 9

Posterior mediastinum

Question 10

Where is the anterior mediastinum located?

Answer 10

Anterior to the pericardial sac and posterior to the sternum

Question 11

Where is the middle mediastinum located?

Answer 11

Bounded by the pericardial sac

Question 12

Where is the posterior mediastinum located?

Answer 12

Posterior so the pericardial sac and anterior to the thoracic vertebrae 5 through 12