Superior and posterior mediastinum Flashcards
Where are the natural narrowings of the esophagus?
Cricopharyngeus muscle (Upper Esophageal Sphincter) Aortic arch and left bronchial tube Esophageal hiatus (Lower Esophageal Sphincter)
What are the branches of the aorta?
Posterior intercostal arteries
Subcostal arteries
Visceral branches (esophagus, bronchi, mediastinum, and pericardium)
Superior phrenic arteries
Where does the thoracic duct enter the thorax?
The aorta hiatus
Where does the thoracic duct run up the thorax?
Between the Azygos vein and the descending aorta
Where does the thoracic duct drain into the vascular system?
At the confluence of the L internal jugular and L subclavian vein
What contributes to the pulmonary plexus?
Right vagus nerve
Where does the right vagus nerve run on the esophagus?
The posterior
What does the right vagus nerve become? Where does it go?
Posterior vagal trunk
Through the esophageal hiatus to the abdomen
What contributes to the cardiac plexus?
Left vagus nerve
Where does the left vagus nerve run on the esophagus?
The anterior
What does the left vagus nerve become? Where does it go?
Anterior vagal trunk
Through the esophageal hiatus
Where is the cardiac plexus?
On the carina
Where is the pulmonary plexus?
On the bronchi
How can an aortic aneurysm cause hoarseness?
Puts pressure on left recurrent pharyngeal nerve
How can an aortic aneurysm cause dysphagia?
Pressure on esophagus
