Posterior Mediastinum

Question 1

What are the boundaries of the posterior mediastinum

Answer 1

• transverse thoracic plane
• bodies of T5-12 vertebrae
• pericardium and diaphragm
• parietal pleura

Question 2

describe the thoracic aorta

Answer 2

• continuation of the arch of aorta (T4/5)
• becomes abdominal aorta after passing through diaphragm

Question 3

what areas do the branches of the thoracic aorta supply

Answer 3

• oesophagus
• pericardium
• bronchi
• thoracic wall
• diaphragm

Question 4

describe the thoracic duct

Answer 4

• lymphatics
• empties into venous system at left venous angle

Question 5

describe the sympathetic chain

Answer 5

• sympathetic ganglia
• extends length of vertebral column
• outflow from T1-L2/3

Question 6

what areas do the splanchnic nerves supply

Answer 6

• supply sympathetic innervation to abdominal viscera

Question 7

describe the greater splanchnic nerve

Answer 7

• coeliac and superior mesenteric ganglia
• T5-9 ganglia

Question 8

describe the lesser splanchnic nerve

Answer 8

• superior mesenteric and aorticorenal ganglia
• T10-11 ganglia

Question 9

describe the least splanchnic nerve

Answer 9

• aorticorenal ganglia
• T12

Question 10

Describe the openings in the diaphragm

Answer 10

Caval opening -T8 - IVC
Oesophageal hiatus - T10 - oesophagus and vagal trunks
Aortic hiatus - T12 - aorta, azygos vein, thoracic duct