Mediastinum (Detailed)

Question 1

Primary place of extension/coverage?

Answer 1

Extends from the superior thoracic aperture above to the diaphragm below, from the sternum in front to the vertebral column posteriorly and between the mediastinal pleura of the two sides

Question 2

How is the medistinum divided superiorly and inferiorly?

Answer 2

A horizontal plane extending through the sternal angle anteriorly and the disk between T4 and T5 divides the mediastinum into the suprior and inferior mediastinum

Question 3

Subdivisions of inferior mediastinum?

Answer 3

Anterior

Middle (heart and pericardial sac)

Posterior

Question 4

Thymus (Superior M), Thymus blood supply

Answer 4

Most anterior structure, largely replaced by fat but still retains bilobed shape

Pericardiacophrenic vessels

Question 5

Brachiocephalic veins (general, Superior M)

Answer 5

Formed by the confluence of the subclavian and internal jugular veins at the root of the neck

Question 6

Right brachiocephalic vein orientation

Answer 6

Vertical

Question 7

Left Brachiocephalic vein

Answer 7

Longer than right and its course is oblique and crosses the branches of the aortic arch

Question 8

Superior vena cava

Answer 8

Continues the vertical course of the right brachiocephalic vein

just before it enters the pericardial sac, it receives the azygos vein

Question 9

Aortic arch (general)

Answer 9

STarts anterior and arches backward over the left primary bronchus

Question 10

Ligamentum arteriosus

Answer 10

Connects the inferior surface of arch to the beginning of the left pulmonary artery

Question 11

Brachiocephalic trunk of Aortic Arch

Answer 11

1st branch of the arch

Ascends in front of the trachea to its right side

ends by dividing into the right subclavian and right common carotid artery