Ch 55: Mediastinum

Question 1

The mediastinum is a trapezoidal structure in the center of the thoracic cavity. It
is bound by the sternum anteriorly, the vertebral column posteriorly, and ______ laterally

Answer 1

The mediastinum is a trapezoidal structure in the center of the thoracic cavity. It
is bound by the sternum anteriorly, the vertebral column posteriorly, and the
lungs and pleura laterally

Question 2

The diaphragm forms the floor of the
mediastinum, whereas the _____ form the roof

Answer 2

The diaphragm forms the floor of the
mediastinum, whereas the thoracic outlet at the first thoracic vertebra, its rib, and
the manubrium form the roof

Question 3

The anterior mediastinum is the
space anterior to the pericardium and great vessels and is occupied by _______

Answer 3

The anterior mediastinum is the
space anterior to the pericardium and great vessels and is occupied by the
thymus, lymph nodes, and small vessels.

Question 4

The middle mediastinum is composed
of the____

Answer 4

The middle mediastinum is composed
of the heart, proximal great vessels, central airway structures, and lymph nodes.

Question 5

The posterior mediastinum is
posterior to the heart and great vessels and contains the _______

Answer 5

The posterior mediastinum is
posterior to the heart and great vessels and contains the sympathetic chain
ganglia, vagus nerve, thoracic duct, and esophagus.

Question 6

Embryologically, the thymus is derived from the endoderm of the
lower portion of the ____ and involutes during adulthood,
gradually being replaced by adipose tissue

Answer 6

Embryologically, the thymus is derived from the endoderm of the
lower portion of the third pharyngeal pouch and involutes during adulthood,
gradually being replaced by adipose tissue