Mediastinum Flashcards
T/F: the thymus extends into both the superior and anterior mediastinums?
True
At what vertebral level does the IVC exit the diaphragm?
T8
At what vertebral level does the aorta exit the diaphragm?
T12
At what vertebral level does the esophagus exit the diaphragm?
T10
Where does the esophagus start?
inferior border of the cricoid cartilage
What is a hiatal hernia? What are the different types?
stomach herniates into esophageal hiatus
Type I - often asymptomatic; stomach slides freely into thorax; most common
Type II- fundus is fixed in place in diaphragm; risks gastric blood
Where can you find the retropharyngeal space?
Between the buccopharyngeal fascia and the prevertebral fascia
The retropharyngeal space extends into what mediastinal division?
superior mediastinum
The danger space extends into what mediastinal division?
posterior mediastinum
Which of the following structures is NOT part of the posterior mediastinum? esophagus & esophageal plexus azygos system of vv. phrenic n. descending aorta thoracic duct throacic splanchnic nn.
phrenic n.
The left vagus n. becomes what vagal trunk of the esophagus?
anterior
The right vagus n. becomes what vagal trunk of the esophagus?
posterior
T/F: the phrenic n. forms the esophageal plexus.
False. It is the Vagus n. that forms this plexus
Where is the vagus n. ultimately going?
anterior 2/3 of the transverse colon (hindgut)
in order to drain into the SVC, the azygos vein must cross over what structure?
the right superior bronchus
Where do the posterior intercostal aa. come from?
the descending thoracic aorta
Where is the thoracic duct located. What does it drain into?
thoracic duct is between the azygos v. and the descending aorta. Posterior to the esophagus, anterior to the vertebral body
it drains the left venous angle (IJV & left subclavian v.)
What is the name for accumulation of lymph in the pleural cavity?
chylothorax
Are the greater, lesser, and least splanchnic nerves pre- or postganglionic sympathetic?
preganglionic sympathetic. They travel with the sympathetic trunk, but do not synapse there
What vertebral levels does the greater splancnic n. carry?
T5-T9
What vertebral levels does the lesser splancnic n. carry?
T10-T11
What vetebral levels does the least splancnic n. carry?
T12
What plexus does the greater splancnic n. contribute to?
celiac trunk plexus
What plexuses do the lesser and least splancnic nn contribute to?
SMA
aorticorenal
