Posterior Mediastinum Anatomy Quiz and Flashcards

What is the location of the posterior mediastinum in relation to the pericardium and diaphragm?

Which of the following structures is NOT located in the posterior mediastinum?

What is the main cause of mediastinal syndrome?

Which of the following nerves is NOT found in the posterior mediastinum?

What is the name of the venous system located in the posterior mediastinum?

Which of the following vessels is located along the right side of the esophagus?

What is the term for the compression of the contents of the superior mediastinum by a space-occupying lesion?

What is the result of compression of the trachea in mediastinal syndrome?

Which nerve is compressed in mediastinal syndrome, leading to hoarseness of voice?

What is a possible cause of mediastinal syndrome?

Branches of Musculophrenic Artery and Contents of Mediastinum

Fig. 36 shows the contents of the middle mediastinum.
The posterior mediastinum has boundaries:
- In front: pericardium (above) and diaphragm (below).
- Behind: lower 8 thoracic vertebrae (from T5 to T12).

Contents of Posterior Mediastinum

Arteries: descending thoracic aorta and its branches.
Veins: azygos and hemiazygos venous system.
Nerves: 2 vagi (forming esophageal plexuses) and sympathetic trunks with their splanchnic branches.
Tubes: esophagus and thoracic duct (along its right side).
Lymph nodes: posterior mediastinal lymph nodes.

Clinically Important Points: Mediastinal Syndrome

Mediastinal syndrome is a clinical condition caused by compression of the contents of the superior mediastinum by a space-occupying lesion.
Examples of space-occupying lesions: tumours, enlarged lymph nodes, or retrosternal thyroid gland.
Manifestations of mediastinal syndrome depend on the compressed structure(s), including:
- Vessels: compression of veins or arteries leads to venous congestion or ischaemia of the upper limb and head and neck.
- Tubes: compression of trachea or esophagus leads to dyspnea or dysphagia, respectively.
- Nerves: compression of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve leads to hoarseness of voice.

Test your knowledge of the posterior mediastinum, including its boundaries, contents, and anatomical structures such as the descending thoracic aorta, azygos and hemiazygos venous system, and esophagus. Identify the key features and relationships between these components.