anatomy of the mediastinum

Question 1

where is the anterior mediastinum located

Answer 1

between the sternum and fibrous pericardium

Question 2

what does the anterior mediastinum contain

Answer 2

the thymus

Question 3

what does the middle mediastinum contain

Answer 3

• the heart and the parts of the great vessels that connect with the heart
  
  • Inferior part of SCV
  • Superior part of IVC
  • Pulmonary trunk and pulmonary arteries
  • Pulmonary veins
  • Ascending aorta

also contains cardiac plexus and left and right phrenic nerves

Question 4

what does the posterior mediastinum contain

Answer 4

thoracic aorta
oesophagus
thoracic duct
azygous vein
thoracic sympathetic trunks

Question 5

superior mediastinum from anterior to posterior

Answer 5

• Brachiocephalic veins and SVC
• Arch of aorta (and origin of its 3 branches)
• Trachea
• Oesophagus
• Thoracic duct

Question 6

superior mediastinum from lateral to medial

Answer 6

• Phrenic nerves
• Vagus nerves
• Recurrent laryngeal nerves (branches of vagus)

Question 7

what are Central veins:

Answer 7

veins close to heart - pressure within them reflecst pressure within right atrium (depending on posture)

Question 8

name the central veins

Answer 8

internal jugular veins, subclavian veins, brachiocephalic veins, superior vena cava right atrium, inferior vena cava, iliac veins, femoral veins

Question 9

Motor functions of phrenic nerves:

Answer 9

innervates the diaphragm

Question 10

Sensory functions of phrenic nerves:

Answer 10

innervates central part of diaphragm, pericardium and the mediastinal part of the parietal pleura

Question 11

what is the sensory functions of the vagus nerves

Answer 11

• innervates the palate, laryngopharynx and larynx
  
  • (voice box)

Question 12

what are the motor functions of the vagus nerves

Answer 12

innervates the pharynx and larynx

Question 13

Parasympathetic:

Answer 13

autonomic parasympathetic for thoracic and abdominal organs

Question 14

what kind of fibres do laryngeal branches they contain Once the vagus nerves have given off their recu rrent laryngeal branches

Answer 14

they contain only parasympathetic fibers

Question 15

Compression of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve by a tumour →

Answer 15

hoarse voice

Question 16

racheocephalic trunk supplies:

Answer 16

supplies right head and neck, right upper limb

Question 17

Left common corotid artery supplies:

Answer 17

supplies left head and neck

Question 18

Left subclavain artery supplies:

Answer 18

supplies left upper limb

Question 19

Bilateral (paired) posterior intercostal arteries:

Answer 19

11, for each intercostal space