Mediastinum

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Questions and Answers

Match the following structures with their descriptions in the lymphatic system:

Thoracic duct = Main duct for lymph drainage from the lower body Right lymphatic duct = Lymph drainage from the right upper quadrant Lymph nodes = Filter lymph and house immune cells Spleen = Filters blood and recycles iron

Match the following thoracic sympathetic nerves with their primary functions:

Greater thoracic splanchnic nerve = Preganglionic efferent and visceral afferent nerve fibers Lesser thoracic splanchnic nerve = Carries fibers to the adrenal gland Least thoracic splanchnic nerve = Supplies fibers to the renal plexus Intrathoracic nerve of Kuntz = Carries sympathetic fibers to the brachial plexus

Match the vagus nerve functions with their roles:

Preganglionic parasympathetic innervation = Regulates heart rate and digestion Motor to the circular non-striated muscle = Controls muscle function in the gastrointestinal system Sensory from thoracic and abdominal viscera = Transmits sensory information back to the brain Secretomotor to mucous glands = Stimulates secretion in the respiratory tract

Match the following thoracic structures with their anatomical locations:

Cervicothoracic ganglion = Fused with the inferior cervical ganglion Second thoracic ganglion = Located below the first thoracic ganglion Middle cervical ganglion = Positioned at the level of the sixth cervical vertebra Superior cervical ganglion = Located at the base of the skull Signup and view all the answers

Match the following functions of the vagus nerve with their descriptions:

Motor functions = Muscle control in the heart and digestive organs Sensory functions = Conveys information regarding bodily functions Autonomic control = Regulates involuntary bodily functions Reflex actions = Involves involuntary actions like coughing and digestion Signup and view all the answers

Match the following thoracic splanchnic nerves with their target organs:

Greater thoracic splanchnic nerve = Targets abdominal viscera Lesser thoracic splanchnic nerve = Targets the kidneys Least thoracic splanchnic nerve = Targets the adrenal gland Intrathoracic nerve of Kuntz = Targets the upper limb area Signup and view all the answers

Match the following anatomical features with their characteristics:

Scalene fat pad = Provides cushioning for the brachial plexus Thoracic inlet = Opening at the top of the thoracic cage Diaphragm = Muscle responsible for breathing Pleura = Membranes surrounding the lungs Signup and view all the answers

Match the following structures with their locations or functions:

Thymus = Upper poles behind the left brachiocephalic vein Cervical oesophagus = Posterior to the trachea Recurrent laryngeal nerves = Ascends on each side of the cervical oesophagus Common carotid artery = Located laterally to the cervical oesophagus Signup and view all the answers

Match the following symptoms with their associated conditions:

Hoarseness, cough, dysphagia = Thymic tumors causing compression Fever, chills, night sweats = Infection or inflammatory response Joint pain and stiffness = Autoimmune conditions Skin rashes and itching = Allergic reactions Signup and view all the answers

Match the following descriptions with their medical conditions:

Myasthenia gravis = Diminution in power of repetitive contraction in certain voluntary muscles Muscle atrophy = Reduction in muscle mass Increased muscle tone = Hypertonicity in muscles Uncontrolled muscle spasms = Involuntary muscle contractions Signup and view all the answers

Match the following factors with their correlation to oesophagus length in children:

Age = Not directly correlated Weight = Not directly correlated Height = Best correlated factor Gender = Not directly correlated Signup and view all the answers

Match the following nervous structures with their functions or locations:

Vagus nerves = Regulates autonomic functions Phrenic nerves = Innervates the diaphragm Sympathetic trunks = Part of the autonomic nervous system Cervicothoracic ganglion = Nerve junction in the neck Signup and view all the answers

Match the following components with their relevant characteristics:

Chyle = Rich in lipid and protein Chylomicrons = Primary component of chyle Bile = Produced in the liver Urine = Excretory product of the kidneys Signup and view all the answers

Match the surgical approaches with their potential outcome regarding the thoracic duct:

Right cervical approach = Less likely to damage the thoracic duct Left cervical approach = May lead to thoracic duct injury Abdominal approach = Not typically associated with thoracic duct injury Posterior approach = Usually avoids thoracic duct exposure Signup and view all the answers

Match the tributaries of the right lymphatic trunk with their identity:

Right jugular = Drains the right side of the head Subclavian = Drains the right upper limb Bronchomediastinal trunk = Responsible for pulmonary drainage Left jugular = Part of the left lymphatic system Signup and view all the answers

Match the length of the right lymphatic trunk with its frequency in individuals:

1-2 mm = Very uncommon length 5-10 mm = Length in up to 20% of individuals 15-20 mm = Average estimated length 25-30 mm = Rarely reported length Signup and view all the answers

Match the ganglion with its common association:

Inferior cervical ganglion = Often fused with the first thoracic ganglion Superior cervical ganglion = Located at the upper part of the neck Middle cervical ganglion = Found at the level of the sixth cervical vertebra Cervicothoracic ganglion = Another term for the stellate ganglion Signup and view all the answers

Match the structures that conceal the terminal portions of the right lymphatic trunk:

Scalene fat pad = Conceals the lymphatic trunk Parietal pleura = Lines the thoracic cavity Diaphragmatic crus = Supports the diaphragm Aortic arch = Curves over the heart Signup and view all the answers

Match the functions of the vagus nerve with their corresponding effects:

Regulates heart rate = Controls parasympathetic actions Stimulates digestion = Increases peristalsis in the gut Affects respiratory rate = Modulates breathing patterns Influences immune response = Regulates inflammation Signup and view all the answers

Match the anatomical features associated with the scalene fat pad:

Scalene muscles = Located in the lateral neck Neck fascia = Encloses the scalene fat pad Thoracic duct = Can be concealed by it Vertebral arteries = Located posterior to scalene compartment Signup and view all the answers

Match the thoracic sympathetic nerves with their general functions:

Pre-ganglionic fibers = Originate from the spinal cord Post-ganglionic fibers = Innervate target organs Sympathetic chain = Runs parallel to the vertebral column Splanchnic nerves = Involved in visceral organ innervation Signup and view all the answers

Match the clinical aspects of the thoracic duct with their implications:

Injury during surgery = Can lead to chylothorax Location in the thorax = Courses posterior to the aorta Function = Transports lymph from the body to the venous system Associated conditions = Can indicate blockage during lymphoma Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cervical Thoracic Ganglion

The first thoracic ganglion almost always fuses with the inferior cervical ganglion, forming the cervicothoracic (stellate) ganglion.

Greater Thoracic Splanchnic Nerve

The greater thoracic splanchnic nerve is primarily composed of myelinated preganglionic efferent and visceral afferent nerve fibers.

Intrathoracic Nerve of Kuntz

The intrathoracic nerve of Kuntz is thought to carry sympathetic nerve fibers to the brachial plexus without passing through the sympathetic trunk.

Vagus Nerve in Mediastinum

The vagus nerve contains preganglionic parasympathetic nerve fibers which travel in its branches and synapse in minute ganglia in the visceral walls.

Right Vagus Nerve

The right vagus nerve descends posterior to the right internal jugular vein in the neck and crosses anterior to the first part of the right subclavian artery to enter the thorax.

Chyle

Chyle is rich in lipid, protein, T lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, and fat-soluble vitamins, with chylomicrons being a primary component.

Surgical Approach and Thoracic Duct

The left cervical approach for exposing the vertebral and subclavian arteries or the cervico-thoracic sympathetic ganglion may lead to thoracic duct injury.
Deliberate ligation of the duct at this level is an accepted surgical maneuver.

Right Lymphatic Trunk

The three main tributaries of the right lymphatic trunk are the right jugular, subclavian, and bronchomediastinal trunks.
These often empty separately into either the right internal jugular and/or subclavian veins.
In up to 20% of individuals, the right lymphatic trunk may aggregate to form a structure that is usually 5-10 mm in length.

Terminal Portions of Right Lymphatic Trunk and Thoracic Duct

The terminal portions of the right lymphatic trunk and the thoracic duct are concealed by the scalene fat pad, making them more vulnerable during surgery.

First Thoracic Ganglion

The first thoracic ganglion is almost always fused with the inferior cervical ganglion.

Thymic Tumors

Thymic tumors may compress the trachea, esophagus, and large veins in the neck.
This can cause hoarseness, cough, dysphagia, and venous engorgement of the head and neck.

Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis presents as a diminution in power of repetitive contraction in certain voluntary muscles, due to autoantibodies attacking acetylcholine receptor proteins at neuromuscular junctions.

Oesophagus Length in Children

The length of the oesophagus in children is best correlated with height.

Cervical Portion of Oesophagus

The cervical portion of the oesophagus is located posterior to the trachea, to which it is attached by loose connective tissue.

Recurrent Laryngeal Nerves

The recurrent laryngeal nerves ascend on each side in or near the tracheo-oesophageal groove.

Common Carotid Artery

The common carotid artery is located laterally to the cervical oesophagus.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the anatomy and functions of key thoracic nerves and ganglia. This quiz covers the cervicothoracic ganglion, greater thoracic splanchnic nerve, and more. Perfect for students of anatomy and physiology!