Thorax: Superior Mediastinum Flashcards
What are the boundaries of the superior thoracic aperture? (3)
Anterior: Manubrium of sternum.
Lateral: Medial margin of 1st rib.
Posterior: Body of T1 vertebrae.
What is the function of the thymus?
Involved in early development of immune system.
The brachiocephalic veins converge to form which vessels?
Internal jugular vein and subclavian vein.
The brachiocephalic veins combine to form?
The superior vena cava
Which vein does the left superior intercostal vein enter into?
The left brachiocephalic vein
Where does the superior vena cava lie (division of mediastinum)?
Upper half lies in the superior mediastinum.
Lower half lies in the middle mediastinum.
Where does the diff parts of the aorta lie?
Ascending aorta: middle mediastinum
Arch of the aorta: Superior mediastinum
Descending aorta: Posterior mediastinum
What are the arteries that arise from the arch of aorta? (5)
-Brachiocephalic trunk, which gives rise to the right common carotid and right subclavian arteries.
-Left common carotid artery.
-Left subclavian artery.
Between which two vessels does the right vagus nerve lie?
Btwn the brachiocephalic trunk and right brachiocephalic vein.
Btwn which two arteries does the left vagus nerve lie?
Btwn the left subclavian and common carotid arteries.
Which nerve arises from the left vagus nerve?
Left recurrent laryngeal nerve
Which nerve arises from the right vagus nerve?
The right recurrent laryngeal nerve
At which vertebral levels is the trachea situated?
Starts at C6 and bifurcates into main bronchi at T4/T5.
Hook-shaped structure found on the lowest tracheal cartilage?
Carina
Briefly describe the structure of the trachea
Made up of C-shaped tracheal muscles with annular ligaments in between.
The posterior wall has trachealis muscle.
