Thorax review

Question 1

What is the function of the thorax

Answer 1

protection and respiration

Question 2

Diaphragm

Answer 2

floor of thoracic cavity. pericardial sac is attached, IVC passes through at T8 through caval foramen. Esophagus passes through at T10 through esophageal hiatus. Descending aorta passes behind at T12.

Question 3

hilum

Answer 3

area of serous membrane surround the root of the lung. where parietal and visceral pleura become continuous

Question 4

Is there potential space between the fibrous and parietal layers of the pericardium?

Answer 4

No! only between visceral and parietal

Question 5

Divisions of the mediastinum

Answer 5

line from sternal angle to T4/T5: superior and inferior, “transverse thoracic plane”
Inferior is then divided into anterior, middle and posterior by the pericardium.

Question 6

Anterior mediastinum

Answer 6

between sternum and pericardium. contains pericardio-sternal ligament, internal thoracic vessels and the thymus in adolescence

Question 7

Middle mediastinum

Answer 7

the area surround by pericardium. contains pericardium, phrenic nerves, heart, and base of SVC, ascending aorta, and pulmonary trunk

Question 8

Posterior mediastinum

Answer 8

goes from posterior border of pericardium to thoracic vertebrae and mediastinal pleura. Right side called blue side due to dominance of azygos vein. left side red side due to descending aorta. also contains esophagus, pulmonary arteries, bronchi, thoracic aorta, azygos, thoracic duct, thoracic sympathetic trunk, thoracic splanchnic nerves

Question 9

Superior mediastinum

Answer 9

bordered by superior thoracic aperature (manubrium/1st rib to thoracic vertebra T1
contains aortic arch and thoracic part of its branches, R and L brachiocephalic veins, upper half of SVC, phrenic and vagus nerves, trachea, esophagus, thoracic duct, and remains of thymus