Superior Mediastinum Flashcards
What are the boundaries of the superior mediastinum
- manubrium
- bodies of T1-4 vertebrae
- transverse thoracic plane
- thoracic inlet
- parietal pleura
What are the contents of the superior mediastinum
- thymus
- brachiocephalic veins
- SVC
- arch of aorta
- trachea
- oesophagus
- phrenic/vagus nerves
- lymphatics
describe the great vessels and branches (VEINS)
- R & L brachiocephalic veins
- drain head, neck, and upper limb
- empty into the SVC
Describe the branches of the arch of aorta
- brachiocephalic trunk –> R. subclavian, R. common carotid artery
- left common carotid artery
- left subclavian
describe the location of the right vagus nerve
anterior the the right subclavian artery
describe the location of the right recurrent laryngeal nerve
loops under the right subclavian artery
describe the location of the left vagus nerve
between left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery
describe the location of the left recurrent nerve
- loops under the arch of aorta
- posterior to ligamentum arteriosum
describe the branches of the vagus nerves
- cardiac plexus deep to arch of aorta
- R. & L. pulmonary plexus on R. & L. main bronchi
- Oesophageal plexus
- continue as ant./post. vagal trunks
what is the nerve root of the phrenic nerve
- anterior rami C3,4,5
describe the location of the right phrenic nerve
- runs along side R. brachiocephalic vein, SVC and pericardium over R. atrium
- anterior to root of R. lung
describe the location of the left phrenic nerve
- lies between L. subclavian artery and vein
- left of the arch of aorta
- anterior to vagus nerve
- anterior to root of L. lung
- on surface of pericardium over L. atrium and ventricle
where does the trachea begin
C6/7 below larynx
where does the trachea divide
at the carina
where is the trachealis muscle located
posterior aspect
- allows expansion of oesophagus
