Mediastinum

Question 1

Middle of the thorax

Answer 1

Mediastinum

Question 2

mediastinum is occupied by

Answer 2

a mass of tissue between the two pulmonary cavities - forms central part of thoracic cavity

Question 3

The mediastinum is covered on each side by

Answer 3

mediastinal pleura
- contains all the thoracic viscera and structures - except for the lungs

Question 4

the mediastinum extends from the:

Answer 4

Sup. thoracic aperture, to the diaphragm inferiorly and from the sternum and costal cartilages anterior to the thoracic vert. (posterior)

Question 5

Superior mediastinum borders

Answer 5

• Extends inferiorly from the thoracic inlet
• To the horizontal plane that includes the sternal angle (anteriorly)
• Passes approx. through the junction of T4 and T5 (posteriorly)
  = transverse thoracic plane

Question 6

Answer 6

transverse thoracic plane

Question 7

Superior mediastinum contents

Answer 7

• aorta
• great vessels
• trachea
• upper third of oesophagus
• upper thymus

Question 8

Inferior mediastinum borders

Answer 8

• In between the transverse thoracic plane and the diaphragm
• further subdivided by the pericardium into an anterior, posterior and
  middle part

Question 9

inferior mediastinum contents

Answer 9

Pericardium:
- consists of the heart and the root of its great vessels

Question 10

Anterior mediastinum borders

Answer 10

• Anterior to pericardium
• posterior to body of sternum

Question 11

Anterior mediastinum content

Answer 11

• mediastinal fat and thymus

Question 12

middle mediastinum borders

Answer 12

Bounded anteriorly and posteriorly by pericardium

Question 13

middle mediastinum content

Answer 13

Pericardium and contents
Carina
Lymph nodes

Question 14

Posterior mediastinum borders

Answer 14

Dorsal surface of pericardium to anterior surfaces of T4-T12

Question 15

Posterior mediastinum content

Answer 15

Esophagus
Descending thoracic aorta
Azygos vein
Thoracic duct