Questions and Answers
What is the mediastinum?
This is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity surrounded by loose connective tissue.
What are the contents of the mediastinum?
Heart and vessels, esophagus, trachea, phrenic and cardiac nerves, thoracic duct, thymus, lymph nodes, and central chest.
The mediastinum can be divided into how many parts?
Two parts: Superior and Inferior.
What are the three subdivisions of the inferior mediastinum?
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Which section of the inferior mediastinum contains only fat, connective tissue, and some vessels?
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What is the inferior border of the inferior mediastinum?
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What is predominantly occupied by the middle mediastinum?
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Aside from the heart and pericardial sac, what are the seven other structures in the middle mediastinum?
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What structure prevents the heart from moving around violently in the chest?
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What structure separates the fibrous pericardium from the epicardium?
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Study Notes
Mediastinum Overview
- Central compartment of the thoracic cavity, encased in loose connective tissue.
Contents of the Mediastinum
- Houses the heart, blood vessels, esophagus, trachea, phrenic and cardiac nerves, thoracic duct, thymus, lymph nodes, and structures in the central chest.
Division of the Mediastinum
- Divided into superior and inferior sections.
Subdivisions of the Inferior Mediastinum
- Comprised of three parts: anterior, middle, and posterior mediastinum.
Anterior Mediastinum
- Contains fat, connective tissue, and some vessels; prior to puberty, it also includes the thymus.
Inferior Border of the Inferior Mediastinum
- Defined by the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.
Middle Mediastinum
- Primarily occupied by the heart and the pericardial sac.
Structures in the Middle Mediastinum
- Contains the ascending aorta, pulmonary trunk, superior vena cava, pulmonary veins, phrenic nerve, azygous vein, and bifurcation of the bronchi, in addition to the heart.
Fibrous Pericardium
- A protective structure that anchors the heart in place and prevents excessive movement within the chest.
Serous Pericardium
- A double-layered membrane that lies between the fibrous pericardium and the epicardium, facilitating heart movement and reducing friction.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. This quiz covers its contents, division into parts, and associated structures. Perfect for students in anatomy or medical courses.
