Term 2 Exam: Blood Supply to the Thorax

Question 1

Where is the thoracic aorta?

Answer 1

the thoracic aorta begins at the level of the intervertebral disc between T4 and T5 vertebrae
-Extends through the aortic hiatus

Question 2

What is the azygos system?

Answer 2

Network of veins that runs on either side of the vertebral column
-drains most thoracic structures and empties into superior vena cava

Question 3

What does the azygos system consist of?

Answer 3

3 veins

1. Azygos
2. Hemiazygos
3. Accessory heazygos

Question 4

What is a plexus?

Answer 4

network of nerves on the left and right side of the body

Question 5

What are the principle plexus?

Answer 5

1. Cervical plexus
2. Brachial plexus
3. Lumbar plexus
4. Sacral plexus

Question 6

Where does the cervical plexus originate?

Where does it supply nerves to?

Answer 6

Originates from C1-C4 with contributions from C5

The skin and muscles of the head, neck and superior part of the shoulders and chest

Question 7

What are the phrenic nerves?

Answer 7

Arise from the cervical plexus

-Supply motor fibers to the diaphragm

Question 8

What is the Segmental branch?

Answer 8

Supply motor fibers to the deep muscles of the neck, levator scapulae and scalene muscles (muscles involved in forced inhalation)