Shared Flashcard Set

Details

ANAT
Superior Mediastinum
6
Medical
Graduate
11/22/2012

Additional Medical Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
What structures are compressed if they thymus is enlarged?
Definition

Posteriorly:

  • R lobe- SVC
  • L lobe- L. Brachiocephalic V.
Term
What structures important landmarks are found at the Sternal Angle/Angle of Louis?
Definition
  1. Sup/Inf. mediastinum separation
  2. Beginning of Arch of aorta
  3. Bifurcation of the trachea into primary bronchi
  4. Azygos V. arches over roof of R lung into SVC
  5. Thoracic duct travels R to L
  6. Upper limit of base of heart (LA)
Term
What are causes of mediastinal narrowing and widening?
Definition

Narrowing- pleural effusion, lung masses

Widdening- tumors, aneurysm, pericadial effusion

Term
Describe the R and L Brachiocephalic Veins
Definition
  • Brachiocephalic veins form posterior to sternoclavicular joint
  • L brachiocephalic crosses over 3 branches of aorta
  • R brachiocephalic 
  • R & L brachiocephalic veins join behind 1st costal cartilage to become the SVC
  • SVC drains everything above the diaphragm
    • Exception:
      • Heart: coronary sinus, ant. cardiac V.'s
      • Lung: some bronchial veins
    • Nerves:
      • Vagus N.- runs posterior to SVC
      • Phrenic N.- runs anterior to SVC
Term
What is the important relationship b/t the Phrenic Nerve and vasculature?
Definition

Phrenic nerve runs along Right Brachiocephalic Vein and SVC

  • Risk of damaging Right Phrenic Nerve in placement of a central venous line  if the vein is pierced during procedure
  • (versus compression as seen in thymoma)

 

 

Term

Why is there a close relationship b/t collapsed muscular esophagus and recurrent laryngeal nerve?

Definition
The laryngeal nerves travel b/t the esophagus and trachea
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