Mediastinum

Question 1

What are the borders of the superior mediastinum

Answer 1

Superior - thoracic aperture (hole made by 1st ribs

Inferiorly - transverse thoracic plane (eternal angle / T4/5

Laterally - pleurae

Anteriorly - manubrium of sternum

Posteriorly - T1-T4

Question 2

What muscles are found in the superior mediastinum

Answer 2

1. Sternohyoid
2. Sternothyroid
3. Longis colli

Question 3

What arteries are found in the superior mediastinum

Answer 3

Aortic arch

Brachiocephalic trunk

Left common carotid / subclavian

Question 4

What veins are found in the superior mediastinum

Answer 4

Brachiocephalic veins

Upper 1/2 of vena cava

Highest intercostal vein

Question 5

What nerves are found in the superior mediastinum

Answer 5

1. Vagus nerve
2. Cardiac nerve (sup. midd. inf.)
3. Phrenic nerve
4. Left recurrent laryngeal nerve

Question 6

What big structures (aside from arteries, nerves, veins) are found in the superior mediastinum

Answer 6

1. Trachea
2. Oesophagus
3. Thoracic duct
4. Remains of thymus

Question 7

How many parts of the inferior mediustinum are there

Answer 7

THREE [relative to the pericardium]

1. Anterior [front of pericardium]
2. Middle [contains pericardium]
3. Posterior [behind pericardium]

Question 8

Borders of inferior, anterior mediastinum

Answer 8

Anterior - sternum
Lateral - pleurae
Posterior - pericardium

Question 9

Contents of inferior, anterior mediastinum

Answer 9

• loose areolar tissue
• lymphatic vessels
• mediastinal branches of internal thoracic artery
• superior and inferior sternopericardial ligaments

Question 10

Borders of inferior, middle mediastinum

Answer 10

Pericardial sac

Serous and fibrous pericardium

Question 11

Contents of inferior, middle mediastinum

Answer 11

1. heart
2. ascending aorta
3. lower 1/2 superior vena cava
4. bifurcation of trachea to 2 bronchi
5. Pulmonary artery divides to 2 branches
6. R and L pulmonary veins
7. Phrenic veins
8. Pericardiocophrenic vessels

Question 12

Borders of inferior, posterior mediastinum

Answer 12

Anterior - pericardium, bifurcation of trachea

Lateral - pleurae

Posterior - T5-T12 vertebral bodies

Inferior - diaphragm

Superior - transverse thoracic plane

Question 13

Contents of inferior, posterior mediastinum

Answer 13

1. Thoracic part of descending aorta
2. Azygos, hemiazygos, accessory hemiazygos vein
3. Vagus, splanchnic nerves
4. Oesophagus
5. Thoracic duct