Superior Mediastinum

Question 1

Give the boundaries of the superior mediastinum

Answer 1

anterior - manubrium of sternum
posterior - bodies of T1-4
inferior - transverse thoracic plane
superior - thoracic inlet

Question 2

Contents of superior mediastinum (ant to post)

Answer 2

thymus
brachiocephalic and SVC
arch of aorta
trachea
oesophagus
phrenic and vagus nerves
lymphatics

Question 3

what does the right vagus nerve loop under to become the right recurrent laryngeal nerve

Answer 3

right subclavian artery

Question 4

what does the left recurrent laryngeal nerve pass posterior to in the mediastinum

Answer 4

ligamentum arteriosum

Question 5

what fibres is the anterior vagal trunk mostly made up of

Answer 5

left vagus nerve

Question 5

action of trachealis muscle

Answer 5

deforms to accommodate oesophageal expansion on swallowing

Question 6

what is the oesophagus a continuation of

Answer 6

pharynx

Question 7

at what spinal level does the oesophagus pierce the diaphragm

Answer 7

T10

Question 8

where are the 3 constriction of the oesophagus

Answer 8

arch of aorta
left bronchus
diaphragm