Mediastinum — Flashcards

Flashcard 1: The tracheal bifurcation and bronchi lie in the _____ mediastinum.

Answer: middle inferior

Flashcard 2: The thymus lies in the _____ and anterior inferior mediastinum.

Answer: superior

Flashcard 3: The thoracic duct lies in the _____ and posterior inferior mediastinum.

Answer: superior

Flashcard 4: The left recurrent laryngeal nerve lies in the _____ mediastinum.

Answer: superior

Flashcard 5: The vagus nerve lies in the _____ mediastinum.

Answer: posterior inferior

Flashcard 6: The esophagus lies in the _____ and posterior inferior mediastinum.

Answer: superior

Flashcard 7: _____ passes anterior to the scalene tubercle of the 1st rib.

Answer: Subclavian vein

Flashcard 8: The carina is _____ to ascending aorta and _____ to descending aorta

Answer: posterior

Flashcard 9: What are the major structures related to the mediastinal surface of the right lung?

Answer: 1. Heart (Right atrium) 2. Superior Vena Cava (SVC) 3. Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) 4. Azygos vein and its arch 5. Esophagus 6. Trachea 7. Right Phrenic and Vagus nerves

Extra: The mediastinal surface of the right lung is in contact with several key structures. The Azygos vein is a characteristic relation as it arches over the root of the right lung to drain into the SVC. The right atrium forms a large cardiac impression anterior to the hilum.

Flashcard 10: Major openings of the diaphragm: 1. _____ hiatus at level T8 2. Esophageal hiatus at level T10 3. Aortic hiatus at level T12

Answer: Vena cava

Extra: Mnemonic: **I 8 10 Eggs At 12** - **I**VC: T**8** - **E**sophagus: T**10** - **A**orta: T**12**