21 Questions
What is the main contents of the Mediastinum?
The pericardium, large arteries, and veins, nerves, and lymph nodes
Which part of the Mediastinum is occupied by the heart and its structures?
Middle mediastinum
What forms the boundary of the Superior Mediastinum anteriorly?
The tanulium
Which nerve is found in the Mediastinum?
Phrenic nerve
How many thoracic vertebrae form the posterior boundary of the Superior Mediastinum?
4
What is the location of the aortic arch?
In the superior mediastinum
Which nerve descends on the right side of the trachea?
Right phrenic nerve
What is the relationship between the trachea and the esophagus?
The trachea is in front of the esophagus
Which artery separates the trachea from the left lung?
Left subclavian artery
What is the origin of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve?
Vagus nerve
What is the location of the thoracic duct?
Behind the esophagus
What is located on either side of the mediastinum?
Boundary structures
Which part of the SVC is located to the right of the ascending aorta?
Upper 1/2
What is NOT located within the pericardium?
Trachea
What is the location of the phrenic nerve?
In the cardiac plexus
What is the terminal part of the IVC?
The right and left pulmonary veins
What is the main cause of Mediastinal syndrome?
Compression of the contents of the superior mediastinum
What is the result of compression of the arteries in the superior mediastinum?
Fanous congestion or haemia of the upper limbs and hand
What is the result of compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in the superior mediastinum?
Hoarseness of voice
What is the term for the condition caused by compression of the esophagus in the superior mediastinum?
Syphagia
What is the location of the lymph nodes affected in Mediastinal syndrome?
Mediastinal
Study Notes
Mediastinum Boundaries
- Superior mediastinum boundaries: anteriorly (sternum), posteriorly (upper 4 thoracic vertebrae), superiorly (thoracic inlet), inferiorly (between sternal angle and lower border of T4), and on each side (mediastinal pleura and mediastinal surface of the lung)
Mediastinum Contents
- Pericardium and large arteries (aortic arch and its branches)
- Trachea and principal bronchi
- Esophagus
- Phrenic nerves and vagus nerve
- Superior vena cava and azygos vein
- Thoracic duct
- Lymph nodes (paratracheal and tracheobronchial groups)
Anterior Mediastinum
- Occupies the anterior part of the superior mediastinum
- Contains lymph nodes, fat, and connective tissue
Middle Mediastinum
- Occupies the middle part of the superior mediastinum
- Contains the heart, pericardium, and large blood vessels
Posterior Mediastinum
- Occupies the posterior part of the superior mediastinum
- Contains the thoracic aorta, azygos vein, and thoracic duct
Mediastinal Syndrome
- Caused by compression of the contents of the superior mediastinum by a space-occupying lesion (e.g., tumor, enlarged lymph nodes)
- Symptoms depend on the structures compressed (e.g., vessels, nerves, trachea, esophagus)
- Can lead to venous congestion, hoarseness, dysphagia, and other symptoms
Test your knowledge of the mediastinum, a region in the thoracic cavity that contains various structures such as the heart, trachea, and esophagus. This quiz covers the different divisions of the mediastinum, including the anterior, middle, and posterior mediastinum, and their contents.
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