Mediastinum

Question 1

Anatomically the mediastinum is divided by an imaginary line that runs from …

Answer 1

The sternal angle to T4

Question 2

The inferior mediastinum is divided into …

Answer 2

Anterior, middle and posterior mediastinum

Question 3

Superior border of the superior mediastinum

Answer 3

Thoracic inlet

Question 4

Anterior border of the superior mediastinum

Answer 4

Manubrium

Question 5

Posterior border of the superior mediastinum

Answer 5

Vertebral bodies of T1-4

Question 6

Lateral border of the superior mediastinum

Answer 6

Pleurae of the lungs

Question 7

Vascular contents of the superior mediastinum

Answer 7

Arch of aorta- Brachiocephalic artery, left common carotid artery, left subclavian artery
Superior vena cava- Brachiocephalic veins, left superior intercostal veins, supreme intercostal vein, azygos vein

Question 8

Neurological contents of the superior mediastinum

Answer 8

Vagus nerves, phrenic nerves, cardiac nerves, sympathetic trunk

Question 9

Other contents of the superior mediastinum

Answer 9

Thymus gland, trachea, oesphagus, thoracic duct, sternohyoid muscle, sternothyroid muscle

Question 10

Anterior border of the middle mediastinum

Answer 10

Anterior margin of the pericardium

Question 11

Posterior border of the middle mediastinum

Answer 11

Posterior border of pericardium

Question 12

Lateral border of the middle mediastinum

Answer 12

Mediastinal pleura of the lungs

Question 13

Inferior border of the middle mediastinum

Answer 13

Superior surface of the diaphragm

Question 14

Contents of the middle mediastinum

Answer 14

Heart and pericardium, ascending aorta, pulmonary trunk, superior vena cava, cardiac plexus, phrenic nerves, tracheobrachial lymph nodes

Question 15

Lateral border of the posterior mediastinum

Answer 15

Mediastinal pleura

Question 16

Anterior border of the posterior mediastinum

Answer 16

Pericardium

Question 17

Posterior border of the posterior mediastinum

Answer 17

Vertebral body of T5-12

Question 18

Inferior border of the posterior mediastinum

Answer 18

Superior surface of the diaphragm

Question 19

Non vascular contents of the posterior mediastinum

Answer 19

Oesphagus, thoracic duct, sympathetic trunk

Question 20

Vascular contents of the posterior mediastinum

Answer 20

Thoracic aorta- Posterior intercostal arteries, bronchial arteries, oesophageal arteries, superior phrenic arteries
Azygos system- Azygos veins, hemiazygos veins, accessory hemiazygos veins

Question 21

Lateral border of the anterior mediastinum

Answer 21

Mediastinal pleura

Question 22

Anterior border of the anterior mediastinum

Answer 22

Body of the sternum and transverse thoracic muscles

Question 23

Posterior border of the anterior mediastinum

Answer 23

Pericardium

Question 24

Inferior border of the anterior mediastinum

Answer 24

Superior surface of the diaphragm

Question 25

Contents of the anterior mediastinum

Answer 25

No major structures

In infants the thymus extends into the anterior mediastinum but recedes during puberty