Mediastinum - Ibrahim

Question 1

what is the mediastinum?

Answer 1

is space in the thorax that contains several organs, neurovusculature, lymphatics and surrounding connective tissue.

Question 2

where does the mediastinum lie?

Answer 2

in the middle of the chest

Question 3

where does the mediastinum extend from and to?

Answer 3

from the sternum to the vertebral column

Question 4

where does the thoracic cavity start and where does it end?

Answer 4

it starts in the inlet (upper margin of manubrium, first rib, body of T1 and first costal cartilage)
it ends in the outlet (diaphragm, body of 12th thoracic vertebrae, xiphoid process and costal margin)

Question 5

what are the 4 organs are contained in the mediastinum aside from the lungs?

Answer 5

• heart
• thymus
• trachea
• esophagus

Question 6

what are the 3 blood vessel(s) are contained in the mediastinum?

Answer 6

• great vessels
• internal mammary vessels
• proximal aspects of azygous venous system

Question 7

what 3 nerves are found in the mediastinum?

Answer 7

• phrenic
• vagus
• cardiac nerves

Question 8

what 2 lymphatic systems are found in the mediastinum?

Answer 8

• thoracic duct
• mediastinal lymph nodes

Question 9

what are the 3 compartments of the mediastinum?

Answer 9

1. pre-vascular (anterior)
2. visceral (middle)
3. para-vertebral (posterior)