thoracic regional anatomy

Question 1

what does the mediastinum separate

Answer 1

both pleural cavities

Question 2

where does the mediastinum extend from and to (superior to posterior)

Answer 2

superior thoracic aperture (inlet) to inferior thoracic aperture

Question 3

where does the mediastinum extend from and to (anterior to posterior)

Answer 3

between sternum anteriorly and thoracic vertebrae posteriorly

Question 4

what does the mediastinum act as

Answer 4

conduit for structures that pass through thorax and for structures that connect thoracic organs to other body regions

Question 5

what are the 6 principal contents of the mediastinum

Answer 5

trachea, oesophagus, heart and pericardium, thoracic duct, nerves, great vessels

Question 6

where does the trachea extend from and to

Answer 6

from larynx to bifurcation into principal bronchi (C6 to T4/5)

Question 7

what are the 5 divisions of the mediastinum

Answer 7

superior (above sternal angle), inferior (below sternal angle), anterior (anterior to heart in pericardial sac), middle (pericardial sac and heart), posterior (posterior to pericardial sac and diaphragm)

Question 8

diagram of 5 divisions of the mediastinum (mid-saggital view)

Answer 8

slide 5

Question 9

contents (8) of superior mediastinum from anterior to posterior

Answer 9

thymus, phrenic nerves, great veins, main lymphatic trunks, vagus nerve, great arteries, trachea and main bronchi, upper oesophagus

Question 10

what is the pericardium within the middle of the mediastinum

Answer 10

fibroserous sac surrounding heart and its great vessels

Question 11

prominent vessels in posterior mediastinum

Answer 11

descending aorta, oesophagus, vagus nerve

Question 12

pulmonary ligament in posterior mediastinum

Answer 12

part of hylem allowing expansion of right lung

Question 13

entire diagram at T3 from A

Answer 13

slide 5; no subclavian artery so only braciocephalic trunk; left winds around aorta; right winds around subclavian so right recurrent laryngeal nerve not present at T3; left recurrent laryngeal nerve winding around ligamentum arteriosum

Question 14

contents of posterior mediastinum

Answer 14

oesophagus, (larynx top of airway, pharynx top of GIT); descending aorta, thoracic duct; azygos venous system; posterior mediastinal lymph nodes; thoracic sympathetic trunks; splanchnic nerves