247. Mediastinum And Pleural Cavity Flashcards
The mediastinum is a space enclosed by……
Sternum ( anteriorly)
Thoracic vertebrae ( posteriorly)
Pleurae ( laterally)
Diaphragm( inferiorly)
If u divided the mediastinum anterior and posterior, where is the division line
Btw T4 and angulus sternum
What are the divisions of the mediastinum
Superior: retrosternal, prevertebral, intermediate
Inferior: anterior, middle, posterior
What is in the retrosternal part of superior mediastinum
The thymus in the THYMIC TRIANGLE ( formed by costomediastinal recess)
The brachiocephalic veins pass behind it ( left longer)
Superior vena cava Union of brachiocephalic veins behind first STERNOCOSTAL JOINT
What is in the prevertebral ( in front of vertebra) area of superior mediastinum
Trachea
Main bronchi: right= azygous vein passes superiorly to it
Left= aortic arch passes superiorly to it
Tracheobrinchial lymph nodes
Oesophagus- behind tranche, phrenic nerve laterally to it
What is in the intermediate part of superior mediastinum
Btw retrosternal and prevertebral
Aortic arch: left brachiocephalic above, left bronchus and pulmonary artery below
Cardiac plexus
Vagus nerve: right-runs btw right subclavian and right brachiocephalic then behind oesophagus
Left- lateral to common carotid and behind left brachiocephalic vein. Then in front oesophagus
Gives off recurrent laryngeal nerve under aortic arch
Phrenic nerve: right- behind right venous angle
Left-passes subclavian artery and vein
What’s in the anterior area of inferior mediastinum
Thymic triangle
Pericardiac triangle
What’s in the middle area of inferior mediastinum
Heart and pericardial sac
NVB= a+ v pericardiacophrenica and phrenic nerve
What’s in posterior area of inferior mediastinum
Oesophagus : assumes anterior position to aorta after passing diaphragm
Thoracic aorta
Azygos and hemiazygous vein : a right. hemi left of sup vena cava
Vagus nerves
Thoracic duct
Sympathetic trunk (23 chain ganglia) - thoracic part, splanchnic nerves
