Superior & Posterior Mediastinum

Question 1

The thymus gland can be described as all of the following EXCEPT:

a. posterior to the manubrium
b. anterior to brachiocephalic v.
c. active prior to puberty and involved in T cell maturation
d. prominent & active in adults
e. well above thoracic inlet and below the anterior mediastinum

Answer 1

d. prominent & active in adults

in adults, the thymus gland is INACTIVE, but may appear as a fatty mass in older individuals

Question 2

Left brachiocephalic v. crosses the _____ anteriorly

Answer 2

trachea

Question 3

The aortic arch:

a. begins & ends at same level, T4-T5
b. arches over the left main bronchus & pulmonary trunk
c. gives rise to two great arteries before descending
d. a and b
e. all of the above

Answer 3

d. a and b

c is incorrect because it gives rise to THREE great aa. before descending

• brachiocephalic trunk
• L common carotid a.
• L subclavian a.

Question 4

The arch of the aorta is in the ______ mediastinum, while the ascending and descending mediastinum are located in the ______ and _____ mediastinum, respectively:

a. superior, middle, posterior
b. superior, anterior, posterior
b. inferior, anterior, middle
c. superior, anterior, middle
d. inferior, middle, posterior
e. interior, anterior, middle

Answer 4

a. superior, middle, posterior

ascending and descending are both in inferior, but differ in the subdivisions in this manner

Question 5

Pharynx ends at ______

Answer 5

inferior margin of cricoid cartilage

Question 6

Esophagus:

a. begins in the thoracic cavity, but also belongs to posterior mediastinum
b. descends immediately posterior to trachea
c. pierces diaphragm at esophageal hiatus, at the level of T10
d. venous drainage via azygos, hemiazygos & left gastric veins
e. b, c, and d are true

Answer 6

e. b, c, and d are true

Question 7

Hiatal hernias occur when _____

Answer 7

stomach herniates through the esophageal hiatus