Posterior and Superior Mediastinum

Question 1

The esophagus has 3 
constrictions formed by 4 
structures, where foreign 
objects may lodge, 
perforations are possible and 
carcinomas are more likely.
What are they?

Answer 1

• Cricopharyngeus muscle
• Aorto-bronchial (aortic arch and left bronchus)
• Esophageal Hiatus (LES) (at T10)

Question 2

The right and left vagus nerves spread to form the esophageal plexus then recombine to form the anterior and posterior vagal trunks. Which side goes posterior and which side goes anterior?

Answer 2

Right –> posterior

Left –> anterior

Question 3

Why can aortic aneurisms cause hoarseness, dysphagia, and dyspnea?

Answer 3

Hoarseness - pressure on left recurrent laryngeal nerve
Dysphagia - pressure on the esophagus
Dyspnea - pressure on the trachea,lung root, or phrenic nerve

Question 4

Nodes located inferior to the carina

Answer 4

inferior tracheobronchial nodes

Question 5

5 birds of thoracic cage:

Answer 5

5 birds of thoracic cage:

• azygoose
• hemiazygoose
• accessory hemiazygoose
• esophagoose
• thoracic duck

(duck between azygoose and esophagoose)

Question 6

Which is NOT found in the posterio mediastinum?

• cricopharyngeus
• descending aorta
• sympathetic trunk
• thoracic vertebrae
• tracheobronchial nodes

Answer 6

thoracic vertebrae!