Thorax

Question 1

Which level does aorta traverse the diaphragm?

Answer 1

T12

T8 = vena cava
T10 = oesophagus

I ate 10 Eggs At 12’ I (IVC) ate (T8) 10 (T10) eggs (eosophagus) At (aorta) 12 (T12)

Question 2

What is the structure that is most likely to be encountered during the axillary dissection?

Answer 2

Thoracodorsal trunk

The thoracodorsal trunk runs through the nodes in the axilla. If injured it may compromise the function and blood supply to latissimus dorsi, which is significant if it is to be used as a flap for a reconstructive procedure.

Question 3

What is the course of the phrenic nerve?

Answer 3

The phrenic nerve passes with the IJV across scalenus anterior. It passes deep to prevertebral fascia of deep cervical fascia.
Left: crosses anterior to the 1st part of the subclavian artery.
Right: Anterior to scalenus anterior and crosses anterior to the 2nd part of the subclavian artery.
On both sides, the phrenic nerve runs posterior to the subclavian vein and posterior to the internal thoracic artery as it enters the thorax.

Question 4

What structure separates the subclavian artery from the subclavian vein?

Answer 4

Scalenus anterior.

This muscle runs from the transverse processes of C3-C6 to insert onto the scalene tubercle of the first rib

Question 5

At which level does the inferior vena cava exit the abdominal cavity?

Answer 5

T8

Question 6

What structure lie most anteriorly at the root of the lung?

Answer 6

Phrenic nerve