Thoracic cavity (dave's notes)

Question 1

What are the divisions of the mediastinum?

Answer 1

Superior, and below anterior, middle and posterior.

Question 2

What is the landmark for the horizontal plane dividing off the superior mediastinum?

Answer 2

T4. Also passes through the 2nd costal cartilage.

Question 3

What does the horizontal plane dividing off the superior mediastinum pass through?

Answer 3

The bifurcation of the trachea
Concavity of the aortic arch
Just above the bifurcation of the pulmonary trunk
Azygous vein entering the SVC
Thoracic duct reaches the left side of the oesophagus
Ligamentum arteriosum
Superficial and deep parts of the cardiac plexus

Question 4

Where is the lower limit of the pretracheal fascia?

Answer 4

Extends down from the neck and blends with T4

Question 5

Where is infection in front of the pretracheal fascia directed?

Answer 5

The anterior mediastinum

Question 6

Where is infection behind the pretracheal fascia directed? Where else may infection reside?

Answer 6

Imprisoned in the superior mediastinum. Elsewhere infection drains into the posterior mediastinum. How??
FIGURE 4.11 PAGE 255