Anterior mediastinum

Question 1

what is the mediastinum?

Answer 1

the central compartment of the thoracic cavity

Question 2

where is the mediastinum located?

Answer 2

between the two pleural sacs

Question 3

what does the mediastinum contain?

Answer 3

most of the thoracic organs

Question 4

what does the mediastinum act as?

Answer 4

a conduit for structures traversing the thorax on their way into the abdomen

Question 5

how is the mediastinum divided anatomically?

Answer 5

the mediastinum is divided into two parts by an imaginary line that runs from the sternal angle to the T4 vertebrae

Question 6

what is the sternal angle?

Answer 6

the angle formed by the junction of the sternal body and manubrium

Question 7

where does the superior mediastinum extend and where does it terminate?

Answer 7

extends upwards, terminating at the superior thoracic aperture

Question 8

where does the inferior mediastinum extend and where does it terminate?

Answer 8

extends downwards, terminating at the diaphragm

Question 9

what is the inferior mediastinum further subdivided into?

Answer 9

the anterior mediastinum, middle mediastinum and posterior mediastinum

Question 10

what is the lateral border of the anterior mediastinum?

Answer 10

Mediastinal pleura

Question 11

what is the mediastinal pleura?

Answer 11

part of the parietal pleural membrane

Question 12

what is the anterior border of the anterior mediastinum?

Answer 12

Body of the sternum and the transversus thoracis muscles

Question 13

what is the posterior border of the anterior mediastinum?

Answer 13

Pericardium

Question 14

what is the roof of the anterior mediastinum?

Answer 14

Continuous with the superior mediastinum at the level of the sternal angle

Question 15

what is the floor of the anterior mediastinum?

Answer 15

Diaphragm

Question 16

what does the anterior mediastinum contain?

Answer 16

no major structures. It accommodates loose connective tissue, fat, some lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes and branches of the internal thoracic vessels

Question 17

what kind of loose CT is included in the anterior mediastinum?

Answer 17

the sternopericardial ligaments, which tether the pericardium to the sternum

Question 18

what does the sternopericardial ligament tether?

Answer 18

pericardium to the sternum

Question 19

where does the thymus extend in infants and children?

Answer 19

the thymus extends inferiorly into the anterior mediastinum

Question 20

what happens to the thymus in puberty?

Answer 20

the thymus recedes during puberty and is no longer present in adulthood