Introduction to the Mediastinum Anatomy

Question 1

Where does the vagus nerve meet the heart

Answer 1

The vagus nerve passes across the ventral part of the aortic arch

Question 2

What does the vagus nerve become

Answer 2

The vagus nerve becomes the rlaryngeal nerves

Question 3

What is a landmark used to spot the vagus nerve

Answer 3

The ligamentum arteriosum

Question 4

What does the azygos vein drain

Answer 4

It carries blood from the posterior chest and abdominal walls

Question 5

What thoracic level is the carina

Answer 5

T4/T5

Question 6

Where do the greater, lesser and least splanchnic nerves come off of the spine

Answer 6

Greater T5-9
Lesser T10-T11
Least T12

Asleep from 5-9
Hungover from 10-11
Somehow at lectures at 12

Question 7

What does the thoracic duct drain

Answer 7

It is the main lymphatic vessel of the body

It does most of the body except the right side of the head and right limb

Question 8

What might the thoracic duct look like in a dissection

Answer 8

A white thin nerve like tube posterior to the oesophagus

Question 9

Where does the vagus nerve go through the diaphragm

Answer 9

It goes alongside the oesophagus at T10

Question 10

What are the sites of narrowing that should be seen on a barium swallow

Answer 10

Aortic Arch
Left main bronchus
Left Atrium
Diaphragm

Question 11

What damage might an aortic aneurysm cause

Answer 11

Injury/Damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve as it presses on the nerve

Question 12

Bronchial Arteries

Answer 12

3 Branches off the descending thoracic aorta; they supply oxygen to lung tissue, trachea and bronchi and do not participate in any gas exchange