Superior & Posterior Mediastina. Flashcards
Where does the mediastinum sit?
between the two pleural cavities
Where is the superior and inferior mediastinum divided?
at the angle of louis - T4 lower edge
everything in the pericardial sac is in what division of the mediastinum?
middle inferior mediastina
What is the purpose of the Thymus gland?
Makes T cells in children - replaced with fat as you age -
What occurs at the T4 level?
bifurcation of trachea
bifurcation of pulmonary trunk (leaves from right ventricle)
azygos termination
ligamentum arteriosum
Where does the superior mediastinum span from ?
T1-T4
the upper pleural cavity extends where?
It superiorly extends all the way above the 1st rib
Describe the vessels of the mediastinum
internal jugular veins, subclavian veins, brachiocephalic veins (formed behind the sternoclavicular joint), R+L Brachiocephalic form SVC (behind 1st CC)
Azygos joins SVC (behind 2nd CC)
SVC runs into RA (behind 3rd CC)
Where does the Brachiocephalic vein form?
formed behind the Sternoclavicular joint
Where does the right/left brachiocephalic form the superior vena cava?
behind 1st CC
Where does the azygos join the superior vena cava?
behind the 2nd CC
Where does the SVC run into the right atrium?
behind the 3rd CC
what major vessels branch from the aorta?
- brachiocephalic - then splits to form the right common carotid and right subclavian
- Left common carotid
- left subclavian
where should the trachea normally sit?
midline - if it is off center, you need to be wondering why
What two vessels lie over the first rib?
- left/right sublcavian artery
- left/right subclavian vein
What nerves run over the first rib?
The brachial plexus roots and the sympathetic trunk
What muscle runs over the first rib?
The scalene muscle?
The subclavian artery is divided into 3 by what referemce?
- by relation to the the scalenus anterior
What are the branches of the first part of the subclavian artery?
Vertebral
thyrocervical trunk
- inferior thyroid
transverse cervicle
suprascapular
internal thoracic
costocervical trunk
what are the major structures in the posterior mediastinum?
oesophagus
descending aorta
azygos venous system
thoracic duct
(nervous structurs = vagus nerves, and sympathetic chains)
Phrenic and vagus are generally found where?
phrenic is mostly anterior superior
vagus is mostly posterior inferior
how long is the oesophagus?
25 cm
where does the oesophagus begin?
cricoid cartilage = C6