Theme 1 - Superior mediastinum Flashcards
what is the boundary of the superior and inferior mediastinum?
level T4/5 (sternal angle) aka trans thoracic plane
what are the anterior, posterior, superior, inferior and lateral borders of the superior mediastinum?
anterior - manubrium posterior - T-T4/5 vertebral bodies inferior - trans thoracic plane (T4/5) superior - sup thoracic aperture (manubrium, 1st rib, costal cart and T1 vert) lateral - mediastinal pleura
what structures are contained in the superior mediastinum?
- aortic arch
- brachiocephalic and SVC
- trachea
- oesophagus
- thoracic duct
- phrenic and vagus nerve
- thymus
what parts of the mediastinum is the thymus found in?
superior and anterior
what is the function and blood to the thymus?
function: where T cells mature
- supplied by internal thoracic arteries
what happens to the thymus after puberty?
it atrophies and is replaced by fat
what are the three branches of the aortic arch?
brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid and left subclavian
where do the left and right coronary arteries branch from?
the ascending aorta
what three arteries branch from the descending aorta?
intercostal, bronchial, and lumbar
where do the phrenic nerves branch from the spine?
anterior rami of C3-C5
where do the phrenic nerves enter the superior mediastinum?
between the brachiocephalic vein and the subclavian artery
what is the ligamentum arteriosum called in development?
ductus arteriosus
what structures does the ligamentum arterisoum connect in development?
the pulmonary trunk and the aorta
what is contained in the anterior mediastinum?
the thymus, pericardial sternal laments and the internal thoracic artery
what are the anterior, posterior and inferior borders of the anterior mediastinum?
anterior - sternum
posterior - pericardial sac
inferior - diaphragm
