The mediastinum Flashcards
1
Q
How is the mediastinum subdivided?
A
Superior and inferior by sternal angle
Inferior subdivided into anterior, middle and posterior
2
Q
What is found in the superior mediastinum?
A
- Trachea and Oesophagus
- Arch of the aorta
- Phrenic nerve
- Thoracic duct
- SVC, brachiocephalic vein
- Thymus
3
Q
What is found in the inferior mediastinum
A
- Oesphagus- posterior
- Heart, pericardium and great vessels- middle
- Azygous vein- posterior
- sympathetic chain trunk, vagus nerve, splanchnic nerve- posterior
- descending aorta- posterior
- thoracic duct- posterior
4
Q
By what plane are superior and inferior subdivided?
A
the sternal plane
5
Q
Definition
A
Contains all the major structures in the thorax excluding the lungs and the pleura
