Middle mediastinum - heart - septum, valves and great vessels (dave's notes)

Question 1

The inter ventricular septum spans from one side to the other. What is it attached to?

Answer 1

The fibrous skeleton, by the membranous part of the septum

Question 2

Describe the general structure of the mitral and tricuspid valves. What do they require to maintain integrity?

Answer 2

MV and TV have free edges with a serrated outline, integrity requires active contraction of the chord tendinae

Question 3

Describe the general structure of the pulmonary and aortic valves. What do their require for integrity?

Answer 3

The PV and AV have a free edge containing a fibrous nodule, with integrity being passive.

Question 4

What are the valves composed of?

Answer 4

Fibrous tissue with much elastic fibre, and are covered with vascular endothelium

Question 5

What is a general surface marking for ALL of the heart valves?

Answer 5

All lie behind the sternum, with a line in the vertical plane. Tricuspid-mitral-aortic-pulmonary

Question 6

What are the surface markings for the tricuspid valve?

Answer 6

Right 5th intercostal space

Question 7

What are the surface marlins for the mitral valve?

Answer 7

Apex beat

Question 8

What are the surface markings for the aortic valve?

Answer 8

Right second intercostal space

Question 9

What are the surface markings for the pulmonary valve?

Answer 9

Left second intercostal space

Question 10

Describe the ascending aorta

Answer 10

5cm in length, gives off the aortic sinuses, then runs to the right of the pulmonary trunk, spiralling as it does so

Question 11

What do the ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk share?

Answer 11

A common sleeve of pericardium, sitting in front of the transverse sinus

Question 12

Describe the pulmonary trunk

Answer 12

5cm long, wide bored, arches back to the left of the aorta. Upon emerging from the pericardium it gives its branches in the arch of the aorta.