thoracic regional anatomy

Question 1

where does the oesophagus extend from and to

Answer 1

from pharynx to diaphragm at level T10 through oesophageal hiatus

Question 2

what nerves divide into many branches around the oesphagus

Answer 2

left and right vagus nerves which give rise to left and right recurrent laryngeal nerves

Question 3

what form a plexus around the oesophagus

Answer 3

left and right vagus nerves, visceral branches of the sympathetic trunk

Question 4

what separate to form anterior and posterior oesophageal/gastric nerves

Answer 4

left and right vagus nerves

Question 5

oesophageal plexus: sympathetic afferents relay

Answer 5

pain sensations from oesophagus

Question 6

oesophageal plexus: parasympathetic afferents (vagus) sense

Answer 6

normal physiological information from oesophagus

Question 7

in posterior mediastinum, which nerve mainly contributes to oesophagul plexus

Answer 7

right vagus nerve

Question 8

vagi in posterior mediastinum: inferior continuation

Answer 8

posterior oesophageal nerve, taking right vagal fibres through diaphragm to abdominal viscera

Question 9

vagi in posterior mediastinum: left and right vagus (LARP)

Answer 9

both provide fibres to oesophageal plexus then left continues as anterior oesophageal nerve, and right continues as posterior oesophageal nerve

Question 10

intrinsic nerves of oesophagus

Answer 10

plexus of ganglia and axons within oesophageal wall coordinates activity; can be up/down regulated by autonomic nerves; part of enteric nervous system

Question 11

oesophagus

Answer 11

begins at level of C7 vertebra; ends at stomach, level of T11 vertebra; bends more anteriorly at T7; is right of aorta above T7
Deviates to left at T7; progressively anterior to aorta below T7; passes through diaphragm at T10; has constrictions at four locations

Question 12

constrictions of oesophagus

Answer 12

at C7 (junction of oesophagus with pharynx), where arch of aorta becomes descending aorta, where compressed by L main bronchus, where passes through diaphragm

Question 13

arteries of oesophagus

Answer 13

intercostal spaces at top have different supply to bottom (aorta doesn’t ascend as high as ICS 1 and 2 - posterior intercostal arteries receive supply from subclavian arteries - supreme intercostal artery); others supplied by descending aorta