Mediastinum

Question 1

Boundaries of the mediastinum

Answer 1

Anterior : sternum
Posterior : vertebral column
Superior : superior thoracic aperture
Inferior : diaphragm
On each side : mediastinal pleura

Question 2

Major contents of mediastinum

Answer 2

Thymus
Heart enclosed in pericardial sac
Major arteries and veins such as thoracic aorta , pulmonary trunk
Trachea
Esophagus
Thoracic duct
Neural structures (sympathetic trunks , vagus nerves , phrenic nerve )
Lymph nodes

Question 3

Where does the imaginary line dividing the the mediastinum pass through

Answer 3

Sternal angle anteriorly and lower border of the body of fourth thoracic vertebra / intervertebral disc T4T5

Question 4

The inferior mediastinum is further divided into three parts by

Answer 4

The pericardium

Question 5

The middle mediastinum consists of

Answer 5

The pericardium and the components of it like the heart and the roots of its great vessels

Question 6

Boundaries of the superior mediastinum

Answer 6

Anterior : manubrium sterni
Posterior : bodies of the upper four thoracic vertebra
Superior :plane of the superior thoracic aperture
Inferior :imaginary line passing through eternal angle and vertebra
Side :mediastinal pleura

Question 7

Arterial contents of the superior mediastinum

Answer 7

Arch of aorta
Brochiocephalic artery
Left common carotid artery
Left subclavian artery

Question 8

Veins in the superior mediastinum

Answer 8

Right and left brachiocephalic
Upper half of superior vena cava (SVC )
Left superior intercostal vein

Question 9

Nerves in the superior mediastinum

Answer 9

Phrenic
and vagus (left and right )
Sympathetic trunk and cardiac nerves (right and left )
Left recurrent laryngeal nerves

Question 10

Lymphoid organs and lymphatic in the superior mediastinum

Answer 10

Lymph nodes
Thoracic duct
Thymus

Question 11

Tubes in the superior mediastinum

Answer 11

Trachea , esophagus

Question 12

Muscles in the mediastinum

Answer 12

Sternohyoid
Sternothyroid
Longus colli

Question 13

Structure of the superior mediastinum anterior to posteriorly

Answer 13

Thymus , large veins , large arteries , trachea , esophagus and thoracic duct
Sympathetic trunks

Question 14

Length of the esophagus

Answer 14

25 cm

Question 15

Esophagus full answer

Answer 15

Measurement
Course
Relation
Curve
Constrictions
Blood supply
Nerve supply

Question 16

Where does the oesophagus begin and end

Answer 16

In the neck , lower border of cricoid cartilage , lower border or C6 vertebrae
Descends in front of vertebral column , pass thro superior and posterior mediastinum, pierces diaphragm (T10 vertebrae )
Ends : in the abdomen , cardiac orifice of stomach (T11 )