4 L3 Superior Deep and Inferior Posterior Mediastinum

Question 1

Where does the ascending aorta emerge from

Answer 1

The pericardial sac

Question 2

What divisions of the mediastinum are the aortic arch and thoracic aorta located in

Answer 2

Arch- Superor Middle mediastinum
Thoracic- Inferior Posterior

Question 3

Describe the path of the aorta

Answer 3

Emerges from pericardial sac - Aortic arch is sternal angle - Superior - Posterolateral (left) - Continues into the inferior posterior mediastinum

Question 4

What are the ABCs of the aorta

Answer 4

Arch - Braciocephallic trunk - Left common carotid artery - Left subclavian artery

Question 5

What division of the mediastinum is the Vagus nerve located in

Answer 5

Superior Middle, Inferior posterior

Question 6

Vagus nerve functions

Answer 6

Parasympathetic innervation to thoracic and abdominal organs

Question 7

Describe the vagus nerve’s passage through the mediastinum

Answer 7

Superior middle mediastinum (lateral to arch of aorta, left recurrent laryngeal nerve) - Passes behind lung roots into inferior posterior mediastinum

Question 8

What does the vagus nerve contribute to in the inferior posterior mediastinum

Answer 8

Contributes to many plexuses- Cardiac, Left and right pulmonary, Anterior and posterior oesophageal plexus
Anterior and posterior vagal trunks- Travels through oesophageal hiatus in diaphragm

Question 9

What division of the mediastinum is the trachea located in

Answer 9

Superior deep mediastinum- STAYS IN HERE

Question 10

Trachea boundaries

Answer 10

Larynx to Primary bronchi

Question 11

Describe the C-shaped rings including #, structure and function

Answer 11

16-20 C shaped rings - Hyaline cartilage - Prevents collapse - “Open” posteriorly- oesophagus

Question 12

Describe the trachealis muscle

Answer 12

Smooth muscle - Runs longitudinally - Decreases diameter

Question 13

Is the bronchi part of the superior mediastinum

Answer 13

No

Question 14

Describe the bronchi

Answer 14

They enter lung at hilum - 1 Secondary bronchi for each lobe of lung - 1 Tertiary bronchi for each lobe segment

Question 15

What does the oesophagus join

Answer 15

Pharynx to stomach

Question 16

Describe muscle type of oesophagus

Answer 16

Cervical- Skeletal
Thoracic and Abdominal- Smooth muscle

Question 17

What divisions of the mediastinum is the oesophagus located in

Answer 17

Superior Deep, Inferior posterior

Question 18

Describe the oesophagus path through superior deep mediastinum

Answer 18

Narrowing behind aortic arch and left main bronchus

Question 19

Describe the oesophagus path through inferior posterior mediastinum

Answer 19

Midline anterior to vertebral bodies - Aorta on left - Esophagal hiatus- Becomes oesophagul hiatus

Question 20

Where does the oesophagus start

Answer 20

C6- Upper oesophagus opening

Question 21

Describe the left recurrent laryngeal nerve

Answer 21

Left and right with different anatomy

Question 22

Describe the path of the left left recurrent laryngeal nerve

Answer 22

Superior mediastinum - Ligamentum arteriosum - Arch of the aorta

Question 23

Left recurrent laryngeal nerve boundaries

Answer 23

Trachea and esophagus to Larynx

Question 24

Thoracic duct mediastinum division

Answer 24

Superior deep, Inferior posterior

Question 25

What does the lymphatic system do

Answer 25

Drain lymph back to the venous system

Question 26

Thoracic duct vs Right lymphatic duct divisions

Answer 26

Thoracic duct- everywhere but right upper limb, right half of thorax, head and neck

Question 27

How does the thoracic duct start

Answer 27

Cisterna chyli

Question 28

Describe the thoracic duct path through the inferior posterior mediastinum

Answer 28

Between aorta and azygous vein - Moves to the left (alongside aorta) behind oesophagus

Question 29

Describe the thoracic duct path through the superior deep mediastinum

Answer 29

Continues on the left - Drains into brachiocephalic vein

Question 30

What is the azygous system

Answer 30

An anastomotic pathway to drain blood from posterior body wall to superior vena cava

Question 31

Main components of azygous system

Answer 31

Azygous vein (Right drainage) Hemiazygous vein and accessory hemiazygous vein (Left drainage) drain into azygous vein

Question 32

Azygos system mediastinum division

Answer 32

Superior deep, Inferior posterior

Question 33

Azygous vein right connection

Answer 33

Heart- enters superior vena cava

Question 34

Azygous vein left connection

Answer 34

Superior intercostal vein- Drains into left braciocephallic vein- SVC

Question 35

Sympathetic trunk structure

Answer 35

Parallel chain of nerves -

Question 36

Sympathetic trunk mediastinum division

Answer 36

Superior deep, Inferior posterior

Question 37

Sympathetic trunk innervation type and location

Answer 37

Sympathetic- Thoracic and Abdominal viscera

Question 38

Sympathetic trunk Superior deep mediastinum path

Answer 38

Superor 4-5 ganglia