Mediastinum

Question 1

Define the mediastinum

Answer 1

The space that lies between the lungs

Question 2

What are the anterior and posterior borders of the mediastinum?

Answer 2

Anterior - sternum

Posterior - vertebral column

Question 3

How is the mediastinum divided up?

Answer 3

Superior

Inferior - anterior, middle, posterior

Question 4

Where is the superior mediastinum?

Answer 4

Above the sternal angle

Question 5

What are the contents of the superior mediastinum?

Answer 5

Thymus gland
Brachiocephalic veins/jugular veins
Common carotid artery and subclavian artery
Trachea
Oesophagus
Thoracic duct

Question 6

What are the three branches of the aortic arch?

Answer 6

Brachiocephalic trunk
Left common carotid artery
Left subclavian artery

Question 7

What are the sympathetics of the pulmonary plexus?

Answer 7

T1-T5

Question 8

What are the sympathetics of the cardiac plexus?

Answer 8

T1-T4

Question 9

What are the sympathetics of the oesophageal plexus and what do they do?

Answer 9

T2-T6 (afferents of pain)

Question 10

What kind of muscle is the oesophagus?

Answer 10

Upper part - skeletal muscle

Lower part - smooth muscle

Question 11

What level is the crichoid cartilage?

Answer 11

C6

Question 12

What is the blood supply of the oesophagus?

Answer 12

Branches directly off the aorta

Question 13

What are the potential places of constriction of the oesophagus?

Answer 13

Beginning (cricoid) - C6
Arch of aorta - T4
Left main bronchus - T5
Left atrium - T6-T10
Oesophageal opening - T10

Question 14

Which nerve runs anterior to the lung root and which is posterior?

Answer 14

Anterior - phrenic

Posterior - vagus