Tx Spaces

Question 1

What is the transverse thoracic plane?

Answer 1

Imaginary horizontal plane at the level of sternal angle/rib 2 & T4/5

Question 2

What happens at the level of the transverse thoracic plane?

Answer 2

Sternal angle
Trachea bifurcates
Pulmonary trunk birfucates
Aortic arch concavity

Question 3

What are the different components of the mediastinum?

Answer 3

Superior

Inferior - anterior, middle, posterior

Question 4

What are the boundaries of the mediastinum?

Answer 4

Anterior: sternum and costal cartilages

Posterior: Tx vertebrae

Inferior: diaphragm

Superior: superior Tx aperture (manubrium, ribs 1, T1)

Question 5

What are the contents of the mediastinum?

Answer 5

All Tx viscera and structures except the lungs

Question 6

What are the features of the mediastinum?

Answer 6

Central compartment in thoracic cavity between the lungs and above the diaphragm

Covered by mediastinal pleura

Very mobile region to accomodate movement, pressure and volume changes

Question 7

What are the contents of each mediastinal compartment?

Answer 7

Superior:

• trachea
• oesophagus
• aortic arch & branches
• phrenic & vagus n

Inferior (anterior):
- thymus

Inferior (middle):

• heart
• great vessels
• phrenic n

Inferior (posterior):

• oesophagus
• Tx aorta
• vagus n
• Tx duct & lymph nodes