The mediastinum Flashcards
1
Q
What happens to the mediastinum in case of a pneumothorax or tumour?
A
Can be displaced laterally
2
Q
What are the subdivisions of the mediastinum?
A
Superior
Inferior
- Middle
- Anterior
- Posterior
3
Q
What separates superior and inferior mediastinum?
A
Sternomanubrial joint (T4)
4
Q
Which bone forms the anterior border of the superior mediastinum?
A
Manubrium of the sternum
5
Q
Which thoracic vertebrae form the posterior border of the superior mediastinum?
A
T1 - 4
6
Q
Which plane separates the superior from the inferior mediastinum?
A
Transverse thoracic plane
7
Q
What structures are found in the superior mediastinum? (6)
A
- Arteries: aortic arch and its 3 main branches
- Veins: left and right brachiocephalic veins and - SVC
- Nerves: vagus & phrenic nerves.
- Trachea
- Oesophagus
8
Q
What structures are found in the posterior mediastinum?
A
- Thoracic duct
- Azygous vein
- Sympathetic chain
- Descending aorta
9
Q
What structures are found in the middle mediastinum?
A
Heart, pericardium and great vessels
