Chapter 4 (Superior Mediastinum & Great Vessels)

Question 1

(Superior Mediastinum)

Superior to the thoracic plane, passing through the ____ ____ and the junction of vertebrae ____ and ____.

Answer 1

sternal angle; T4 and T5

Question 2

(Superior Mediastinum)

From anterior to posterior, the contents of the superior mediastinum are:

Answer 2

• Thymus
• Great vessels
• Continuation of cervical viscera (trachea and esophagus)
• Thoracic duct

Question 3

(Thymus)

Functions as a ___ ___ ___, located in the inferior part of the neck and anterior part of the superior mediastinum.

Answer 3

primary lymphoid organ

Question 4

(Thymus)

A flat gland with flask-shaped lobes that lies posterior to the ____ and extends into the ____ ____.

Answer 4

manubrium; anterior mediastinum

Question 5

(Thymus)

Involved in ____ ____ of the immune system and is relatively large in _____.

Answer 5

early development; children

Question 6

(Thymus)

After puberty, the thymus undergoes a gradual ____ and will be largely replaced by fat.

Answer 6

involution (atrophy)

Question 7

(Great Vessels)

Right and left brachiocephalic veins:

Answer 7

Formed by the subclavian and internal jugular veins, will join to form the SVC.

Question 8

(Great Vessels)

Superior vena cava (SVC):

Answer 8

Returns blood form all structures superior to the diaphragm (except lungs and heart)

Question 9

(Great Vessels - SVC)

Will receive blood from the UE, head, and neck via the ____ ___ and form the body wall via the ___ ___.

Answer 9

brachiocephalic veins; azygos vein

Question 10

(Great Vessels)

Arch of aorta:

Answer 10

The curved continuation of the ascending aorta (which have branches of the coronary arteries)

Question 11

(Great Vessels - Arch of Aorta)

Gives off 3 large branches:

Answer 11

• Brachiocephalic trunk
• Left common carotid artery
• Left subclavian artery

Question 12

(Great Vessels)

Brachiocephalic trunk:

Answer 12

Divides into the right subclavian and right carotid arteries to the RUE and right side of the head and neck

Question 13

(Great Vessels)

Left common carotid artery:

Answer 13

Supplies the left side of the head and neck

Question 14

(Great Vessels)

Left subclavian artery:

Answer 14

To supply the left upper extremity

Question 15

(Great Vessels)

The arch of aorta continues distally with the ____ ___ ____.

Answer 15

descending thoracic aorta

Question 16

(Trachea)

Part of the ____ ___ inferior to the ____.

Answer 16

Respiratory system; larynx

Question 17

(Trachea)

Positioned anterior to the ____ as it decends thorugh the ____ _____.

Answer 17

esophagus; superior mediastinum

Question 18

(Trachea)

Will divide into the right and left main bronchi at the level of the ___ ___.

Answer 18

sternal angle

Question 19

(Trachea)

Will terminate superior to the ____ ___ ___ ___ and is not a component of the ____ ____.

Answer 19

level of the heart; posterior mediastinum