Mediastinum

Question 1

What are the boundaries of the Mediastinum?

Answer 1

1. Superior Thoracic Aperture
2. Pleura of the Lungs
3. Diaphragm

Question 2

What is the Mediastinum?

Answer 2

The interpleural space that contains all thoracic organs except the lungs and pleura

Question 3

What are the divisions of the Mediastinum?

Answer 3

1. Superior Mediastinum

2. Inferior Mediastinum (Anterior, Middle, and Posterior)

Question 4

What are the contents of the superior Mediastinum in order from anterior to posterior?

Answer 4

1. Superior half of the Thymus encased in fat
2. Brachiocephalic Veins
3. Arch of Aorta and its 3 branches
4. Trachea
5. Esophagus and Thoracic Duct (on the Left side only)

Question 5

What are the contents of the Anterior Mediastinum?

Answer 5

Inferior half of the Thymus encased in fat

Question 6

What are the contents of the Middle Mediastinum?

Answer 6

1. Heart and Pericardium
2. All adjacent great vessels leaving the heart: SVC, Pulmonary Trunk, Ascending Aorta, IVC, and 4 Pulmonary Veins
3. Root of the Lung

Question 7

What are the contents of the Posterior Mediastinum?

Answer 7

1. Descending Aorta
2. Esophagus
3. Azygous Vein
4. Thoracic Duct (On left side only)

Question 8

What is the marker of the division between the Superior and Inferior Mediastinum?

Answer 8

The Sternal Angle (T4-T5)