10 Questions
What is the location of the posterior mediastinum in relation to the pericardium and diaphragm?
In front of the pericardium and above the diaphragm
Which of the following structures is NOT located in the posterior mediastinum?
Phrenic nerve
What is the main cause of mediastinal syndrome?
Compression of the superior mediastinum by a tumor
Which of the following nerves is NOT found in the posterior mediastinum?
Phrenic nerve
What is the name of the venous system located in the posterior mediastinum?
Azygos and hemiazygos venous system
Which of the following vessels is located along the right side of the esophagus?
Thoracic duct
What is the term for the compression of the contents of the superior mediastinum by a space-occupying lesion?
Superior mediastinal syndrome
What is the result of compression of the trachea in mediastinal syndrome?
Dyspnea
Which nerve is compressed in mediastinal syndrome, leading to hoarseness of voice?
Left recurrent laryngeal nerve
What is a possible cause of mediastinal syndrome?
Retrosternal thyroid gland
Study Notes
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.
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