UNIT 2: pleura/ mediastinum Flashcards
what is the pleural sac?
two continous membranes (pleurae) that enclose the lungs
what are the two parts of the pleura?
visceral: pulmonary pleura = covers lung and surface
parietal: lines pulmonary cavities adhering to thoracic wall, mediastinum and diaphragm
what is the pleural sleeve?
area of continuity between visceral and parietal pleura which encloses the root of the lung
what ligament do the pleurae form inferior to the root of the lung?
pulmonary ligament - extends between lung and mediastinum
what is the pleural cavity and what does it contain?
space between visceral and parietal pleura
- contains pleural fluid which lubricates surfaces allowing them to slide smoothly during respiration and also produce surface tension
where is the endothoracic fascia found?
thin fibro-areolayer between internal thoracic cage and parietal pleura
how is the parietal pleura split?
- costal (cervical)/ diaphragmatic/ mediastinal
what are the abrupt turns in parietal pleura called?
lines of pleural reflection
- sternal line - between costal/ mediastinal
- costal line - between costal/ diaphragmatic (anterior)
- vertebral line- between costal/ diaphragmatic (posterior)
what is the mediastinum and what does it contain?
central compartment of thoracic cavity
- contains all thoracic viscera & structures except lungs and pleura
where does the mediastinum extend from?
superior thoracic aperture to diaphragm
sternum/ costal cartilages to bodies of thoracic vertebrae
how does the mediastinum accommodate movement, volume and pressure changes in the thoracic cavity?
looseness of the connective tissue, elasticity of lungs and parietal pleura
how is the mediastinum divided?
superior/ inferior: anterior/ middle/ posterior
what are the boundaries of superior mediastinum?
anterior: manubrium
posterior: t1 to t4 (IV disc between t4/5)
superior: thoracic inlet
inferior: sternal angle - tranverse thoracic plane
what are the contents of the superior mediastinum?
Brachiocephalic veins Arch of aorta/branches Thymus Superior vena cava Thoracic duct Esophagus Nerves (vagus/ phrenic/recurrent laryngeal) Trachea
what is the thymus and what is its role?
lymphoid organ in lower neck involved in immune system - producing T cells/ secreting thymosin
what are the three parts of the thoracic aorta?
ascending
arch
descending
what arteries branch off from these tree parts?
- ascending: coronary
- arch: brachiocephalic trunk (right subclavian/ common carotid), left common carotid, left subclavian
- posterior: posterior intercostal
describe the passage of the subclavian artery
- passes over upper surface of 1st rib and passes behind anterior scalene muscle