Overview Of The Mediastinum

Question 1

Mediastinum

Answer 1

Region of the thorax between the lungs

Question 2

Superior and Inferior Mediastinum Divide

Answer 2

A horizontal line extending from the sternal angle posteriorly through the T4/T5 intervertebral disk

Question 3

Superior Mediastinum

Answer 3

Contains:

-the great vessels (aorta, pulmonary trunk, etc.)

Question 4

Middle Mediastinum (division of the inferior mediastinum)

Answer 4

Contains

-the heart within the pericardial sac and the regions anterior and Posterior to the pericardial sac (respectively)

Question 5

Anterior Mediastinum

Answer 5

Contains

-thymus in children and adolescence

Question 6

Posterior Mediastinum

Answer 6

Contains
-body of vertebra T5-T12, and structures that pass from the superior mediastinum to the abdomen (thoracic artery, esophagus, thoracic ducts, azygos veins, vagus nerves)

Question 7

Sternal Angle marks level of

Answer 7

• the bifurcation of the trachea
• the beginning and end of the aortic arch
• the superior border of the pericardium
• the superior-most aspect of the pulmonary trunk