Thoracic Cardiology Flashcards
Boundaries of Superior Mediastinum
- Superior Thoracic Outlet (1st rib and manubrium, T1 vertebrae)
- Transverse Thoracic Plane (T4)
Boundaries of Inferior Mediastinum
- Transverse Thoracic Plane (T4)
- Diaphragm
What are the 3 subdivisions of the Inferior Mediastinum?
- Anterior
- Middle
- Posterior
Contents of Superior Mediastinum
- Thymus
- Great Veins (SVC, Brachiocephalic veins)
- Arch of the Aorta (Common Carotids, Brachiocephalic)
- Ligamentum Arteriosum
- Trachea
- Esophagus
- Phrenic N
- Vagus N
- Left Recurrent Laryngeal N
- Thoracic Duct
- Arch of Azygous Vein (R SIDE!)
Components of Anterior Inferior Mediastinum
- Inferior Thymus
- Lymph Nodes
- Fat
Components of Middle Inferior Mediastinum
- Heart and Pericardium
- Phrenic N
- Ascending Aorta
- Pulmonary Trunk, Arteries and Veins
- SVC
- IVC
- Coronary Arteries and Cardiac Veins
Components of Posterior Inferior Mediastinum
- Esophagus
- Thoracic Aorta
- Primary Bronchi
- Vagus N
- Azygos Vein
- Thoracic Duct
- Splanchnic Ns
Where does Tracheal bifurcation occur?
T4 (lowest part of the superior mediastinum)
3 Layers of the Heart (outermost to innermost):
(1) Epicardium (Visceral Serous Layer): thin external layer formed by visceral layer of serous pericardium
(2) Myocardium: thick middle layer composed of cardiac muscle
(3) Endocardium: thin internal layer that covers the chambers of the heart and the valves
Sinuses
- Formed by reflections of visceral serous pericardium
- Formed during looping of heart tube during heart development
Transverse Pericardial Sinus
- Posterior to the aorta and pulmonary trunk
- Anterior to SVC and pulmonary veins
Oblique Pericardial Sinus
Cul-de-sac posterior to the heart; bound by pulmonary veins and SVC/IVC
What vessels empty into the right atrium?
- SVC
- IVC
- Coronary Sinus
What ostia are found in the semilunar valves of the aorta?
- Right coronary ostia
- Left coronary ostia
Fibrous Skeleton of the Heart
- Structural framework that prevents collapse
- Allows atria and ventricles to contract independently of one another
- Attachment point for valves and myocardium
- Electrical insulator
Conus Arteriosus
- Located inside the Right Ventricle
- Smooth area leading to the pulmonary trunk
3 Papillary Muscles / Cusps found in the Right Ventricle:
- Anterior
- Posterior
- Septal
What structure contains the Right Bundle Branch?
Septomarginal Trabecula (Moderator Band)
2 Papillary Muscles / Cusps found in the Left Ventricle:
(1) Anterior
(2) Posterior
Pulmonary Valve: 3 Cusps
- Right
- Left
- Anterior
Aortic Valve: 3 Cusps
- Right
- Left
- Posterior
SA Node
- Located in the superior end of the crista terminalis in the R Atrial wall
- Pacemaker cells
AV Node
- Located in AV septum near opening to coronary sinus
AV Bundle
- Continuation of AV Node
- Follows lower border membranous portion of interventricular septum
- Divides into R/L bundle branches
