Thorax 4 Flashcards
what is the course of the aorta?
begins as the ascending aorta within the pericardial sac
continues as the arch of the aorta (at T4/T5, sternal angle) - descends as the thoracic aorta
passes down posterior mediastinum, through the aortic hiatus (T12) - become the abdominal aorta
(ascending aorta in pericardial sac > arch of aorta (T4/5) > thoracic aorta > through diaphragm aortic hiatus (T12) > abdominal aorta)
at what vertebral level does the arch of aorta lie?
T4/5
where does the arch of the aorta lie?
beneath the manubrium of the sternum, in front of the trachea
what are the three main branches of the aortic arch?
brachiocephalic trunk - gives right common carotid & right subclavian
left common carotid artery
left subclavian artery
what structures pass through the aortic hiatus?
aorta
thoracic duct
azygos vein
what is the medial arcuate ligament?
a ligament at T12 where the right and left crura of the diaphragm join to form the anterior part of the aortic hiatus
what clinical condition is associated with the median arcuate ligament?
MALS - compression of the coeliac trunk due to an abnormally tight ligament or a low-origin coeliac trunk
symptoms of MALS?
abdominal pain
unintentional weight loss
abdominal bruit (blood turbulence in coeliac trunk)
treatment of MALS?
surgical decompression of coeliac trunk
at what vertebral level does the coeliac trunk come off the abdominal aorta?
T12
what forms the brachiocephalic veins?
union of the subclavian and internal jugular veins behind the sternoclavicular joints
what veins drain into the superior vena cava ?
right and left brachiocephalic veins unite to form the SVC
azygos vein drains into SVC at T4
origin and course of the IVC?
origin: right & left common iliac arteries unite at L5
course: ascends to right of aorta, passes through the diaphragm at T8, and drains into the right atrium
what two veins unite to form the brachiocephalic veins?
(R/L) internal jugular & subclavian veins
what veins unite to form the SVC?
right and left brachiocephalic veins
what veins form the IVC? at what vertebral level?
right and left common iliac veins at L5
The inferior vena cava passes through the diaphragm at which level?
A) T8
B) T10
C) T12
D) L1
A) T8
The aortic arch gives off three major branches. Which of the following is NOT one of them?
A) Left subclavian artery
B) Right subclavian artery
C) Left common carotid artery
D) Brachiocephalic trunk
B) Right subclavian artery
Which vein serves as a backup drainage route if the inferior vena cava is obstructed?
A) Hemiazygos vein
B) Azygos vein
C) Brachiocephalic vein
D) Internal jugular vein
B) Azygos vein (provides an alternate route to the SVC if the IVC is blocked)
what is the main function of the azygos vein?
main vein of the posterior thorax- drains venous blood from thoracic wall into SVC
what two veins form the azygos vein?
right subcostal vein (below the 12th rib)
right ascending lumbar vein
course of the azygos vein?
on the right side of the posterior mediastinum - arches over right lung root at T4 - drains into SVC
what are the 3 main tributaries of the azygos vein? (LHR)
- lower 8 right posterior intercostal veins (from ribs 5-12)
- hemiazygos & accessory hemiazygos veins (cross from the left side)
- right superior intercostal vein (from 2nd & 3rd posterior intercostal veins)
where does the 1st right posterior intercostal vein drain?
drains directly into the right brachiocephalic vein, not the azygos vein