Superior and Posterior Mediastinum

Question 1

Where does the oesophagus start and end?

Answer 1

continuation of pharynx at C6 vertebra, ends entering the stomach at the cardiac orifice

Question 2

what three structures produce indentations on the oesophagus?

Answer 2

the arch of the aorta, the left main bronchus and the left atrium

Question 3

where does the oesophagus lie?

Answer 3

in the superior and posterior mediastinum

Question 4

What three sites on the oesophagus are most likely where foreign bodies are impacted?

Answer 4

at commencement, where the left bronchus crosses and where it passes through the diaphragm

Question 5

Where is carcinoma of the oesophagus likely to spread to?

Answer 5

the aorta: in the posterior mediastinum the oesophagus it closely related to the descending aorta.

Question 6

How could an aortic aneurysm effect the oesophagus?

Answer 6

compress the oesophagus and cause difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

Question 7

Where does the trachea lie in relation to the oesophagus?

Answer 7

directly in front of the oesophagus

Question 8

what is the trachea made up of?

Answer 8

c shaped cartilagenous rings to prevent collapse

Question 9

Where does the trachea extend from and to?

Answer 9

from the lower border of the cricoid cartilage in the neck to the tracheal bifurcation at the level of the lower border of the T4 vertebra

Question 10

Anteriorly what is the trachea related to?

Answer 10

commencement of the brachiocephalic artery and the left common carotid artery

Question 11

Posteriorly what is the trachea related to?

Answer 11

oesophagus and left recurrent laryngeal nerve

Question 12

What is the thoracic duct?

Answer 12

large lymph duct which enters the neck lying on the left border of the oesophagus