9.19.11+-+SS+Superior+and+Posterior+Mediastinum

SS Superior and Posterior Mediastinum

OBJECTIVES: 1. Demarcate and describe the boundaries of the superior mediastinum. 2. Identify the main contents of the superior mediastinum: thymus (or remnants thereof) aortic arch

brachiocephalic trunk/a. brachiocephalic vv. l. common carotid aa. l. subclavian a. ligamentum arteriosum superior vena cava phrenic nn. trachea with carina esophagus vagus nn.

l. recurrent laryngeal n. thoracic duct 3. Describe the location of the thymus. Name its function. Describe its changes in size during aging. > > > (SVC). Describe the relationship of the SVC (in the superior mediastinum) to the trachea, ascending aorta and phrenic n. > relationship of the aortic arch with the l. recurrent laryngeal n. > > the superior mediastinum. > > through the superior mediastinum. Repeat for the l. vagus and l. recurrent laryngeal > n. > 10.Name the three thoracic plexuses formed by branches of the r. and l. vagus nn. 11.Describe the course of the r. and l. phrenic nn. through the superior mediastinum. 12.Describe the course of the trachea and esophagus through the superior mediastinum.
 * 1)  Describe the relationship of the right vagus and phrenic nn. with the right brachiocephalic v.
 * 1)  Name the site into which the thoracic duct drains.
 * 1)  Identify the body region/ structures which drain blood into the superior vena cava
 * 1)  Define the terms aortic knob (knuckle) and ligamentum arteriosum. Describe the
 * 1)  List three branches of the aortic arch. Describe the placement of these branches in
 * 1)  Describe the pathway of the r. vagus n. and its branch, the r. recurrent laryngeal n.,

13.Define the term "posterior mediastinum". Identify its boundaries. 14.List the contents of the posterior mediastinum. 15.Using diagrams, identify the following contents of the posterior mediastinum: esophagus

thoracic aorta

azygos v. and hemiazygos v. thoracic duct esophageal plexus

posterior mediastinal lymph nodes thoracic sympathetic trunks thoracic splanchnic nn. 16.Identify the vertebral limits of the thoracic aorta (its superior and inferior limits). Describe the relationship of the thoracic aorta with the thoracic duct and azygos v. 17.Name the seven branches of the thoracic aorta and the regions supplied by these branches. 18.Identify the location of the thoracic duct in the posterior mediastinum. Describe the body regions which drain into the thoracic duct. 19.Describe the azygos system of veins.

20.Describe the relationships of the esophagus as it traverses the posterior mediastinum. Name three impressions in the thoracic part of the esophagus. 21.Define the term “cisterna chili”.

22.Describe the anterior mediastinum and identify any contents.