What does TTP stand for?
Transverse thoracic plane.
Where is the transverse thoracic plane located?
It separates the superior mediastinum from the inferior mediastinum.
p.10
Visceral and Parietal Pleura
Why is the Visceral Pleura insensitive to pain?
Because its visceral sensory neurons originate from the autonomic Vagus nerve (CN X).
p.23
Esophagus Anatomy and Function
Where is the trachea located in relation to the esophagus?
Anterior to the esophagus.
p.46
Azygos System and Venous Drainage
What is the Hemiazygos vein formed by?
The union of the left ascending lumbar and left subcostal veins.
What type of nerves supply the esophagus in the superior mediastinum?
Vagus (parasympathetic) nerves.
p.5
Pleural Cavity Structure and Function
What is the primary function of the pulmonary ligament?
To allow vascular enlargement of the hilar vessels during increased cardiac output.
p.11
Pleural Recesses and Their Clinical Significance
What are pleural recesses?
Spaces of the pleural cavity where the parietal pleura is in contact with itself and not the lung's visceral pleura.
p.37
Nerve Supply of the Thoracic Cavity
Where does the lesser splanchnic nerve end?
In the aorticorenal ganglion.
p.34
Nerve Supply of the Thoracic Cavity
Between which two structures does the phrenic nerve course?
The subclavian artery and vein.
p.16
Blood Supply to the Pleura
What is the blood supply for the visceral pleura?
Bronchial arteries and intercostal arteries.
Where does the Superior Vena Cava terminate?
At the lower border of the right 3rd costal cartilage.
p.12
Pleural Recesses and Their Clinical Significance
What is the costodiaphragmatic recess?
It is the area where the costal pleura reflects onto the diaphragm.
What structures are contained within the anterior mediastinum?
Fat, areolar tissue, and the inferior part of the thymus or its remnant.
p.49
Lymphatic Drainage in the Thoracic Region
Where does the thoracic duct empty?
At the junction of the left internal jugular vein and subclavian vein.
Where does the aorta arch begin?
At the branching point of the brachiocephalic trunk.
p.1
Thoracic Cavity Compartments
What is the primary function of the thoracic cavity?
To house and protect the organs of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
p.32
Nerve Supply of the Thoracic Cavity
What does the left vagus nerve become as it continues on?
The anterior vagal trunk.
p.25
Esophagus Anatomy and Function
What is the function of the cardiac sphincter?
It serves as the transition boundary between the esophagus and the stomach.
p.26
Esophagus Anatomy and Function
What is the first constriction of the esophagus?
Pharyngo-esophageal junction.
Where does the Superior Vena Cava begin?
At the lower edge of the 1st costal cartilage.
p.45
Azygos System and Venous Drainage
Which veins does the accessory hemiazygos vein receive?
Posterior intercostal veins 4 to 8.
p.14
Pleural Recesses and Their Clinical Significance
What is the significance of costodiaphragmatic recesses?
They provide additional space for lung expansion and can accumulate fluid.
p.31
Nerve Supply of the Thoracic Cavity
What nerves does the Right Vagus nerve contribute to?
The cardiac and pulmonary plexuses.
p.2
Thoracic Cavity Compartments
What are the three compartments of the thoracic cavity?
Right pleural cavity, left pleural cavity, and middle mediastinum.
p.49
Lymphatic Drainage in the Thoracic Region
Where does the thoracic duct ascend to?
Deep to the diaphragm through the aortic hiatus.
p.32
Nerve Supply of the Thoracic Cavity
Where does the left vagus nerve enter the thorax?
Between the left common carotid and subclavian arteries.
p.13
Pleural Recesses and Their Clinical Significance
What happens to the lung during inspiration?
The lung moves into the spaces.
p.1
Thoracic Cavity Compartments
What are the main compartments of the thoracic cavity?
The pleural cavities, mediastinum, and pericardial cavity.
p.32
Nerve Supply of the Thoracic Cavity
What plexuses does the left vagus nerve contribute to?
The cardiac and pulmonary plexuses.
What structures are found in the mediastinum?
The heart, trachea, esophagus, and major blood vessels.
p.1
Pleural Cavity Structure and Function
What is the role of the pleural cavities?
To contain the lungs and facilitate breathing by creating a pressure gradient.
p.12
Pleural Recesses and Their Clinical Significance
Why is the costodiaphragmatic recess considered a potential space?
Because it has the potential to collect fluid (pleural effusion) or microorganisms (empyema).
What does the mediastinum contain?
Structures of the thoracic cavity except the lungs.
p.10
Visceral and Parietal Pleura
What is the relationship between the Visceral Pleura and the lungs?
It is intimately attached to each lung and follows the contour of the lobes.
p.34
Nerve Supply of the Thoracic Cavity
What is the primary function of the phrenic nerve?
To innervate the diaphragm.
p.45
Azygos System and Venous Drainage
Where does the accessory hemiazygos vein begin?
At the 4th intercostal space.
What is the anterior mediastinum?
The region between the sternal angle, the deep sternal surface, the pericardial sac, and the diaphragm.
p.20
Thymus Anatomy and Function
What type of organ is the thymus?
A bilobed lymphoid organ.
p.3
Pleural Cavity Structure and Function
What is the pleural cavity?
The space between the pleura surrounding each lung.
p.7
Parietal and Visceral Pleura
How is the parietal pleura named?
According to the structures it covers.
p.46
Azygos System and Venous Drainage
Where does the Hemiazygos vein ascend?
On the left side of the vertebral bodies.
p.20
Thymus Anatomy and Function
Which nerves are associated with the thymus?
The vagus nerve and sympathetic trunk.
What is the ligamentum arteriosum?
A fibrous remnant of the ductus arteriosus.
p.7
Parietal and Visceral Pleura
What is the function of the diaphragmatic pleura?
Lines the superior surface of the diaphragm.
What is the superior mediastinum?
The upper compartment of the mediastinum located above the transverse thoracic plane.
What is the mediastinum?
The median septum of the thoracic cavity between two pleural cavities.
p.6
Pleural Cavity Structure and Function
What can cause the cohesive seal of the pleural cavity to break?
A penetrating wound of the pleural cavity.
p.14
Pleural Recesses and Their Clinical Significance
What are costodiaphragmatic recesses?
Spaces located between the costal pleura and diaphragmatic pleura.
p.31
Nerve Supply of the Thoracic Cavity
What does the Right Vagus nerve continue inferiorly to become?
The posterior vagal trunk.
p.28
Nerve Supply of the Thoracic Cavity
What types of fibers supply the nerve supply to the thoracic cavity?
Both parasympathetic and sympathetic fibers.
p.3
Pleural Cavity Structure and Function
What is the significance of the pleural fluid?
It lubricates the pleural surfaces and helps maintain surface tension.
p.48
Lymphatic Drainage in the Thoracic Region
What areas does the thoracic duct receive lymph from?
The entire body except for the right head and neck, upper limb, and upper thorax.
p.42
Azygos System and Venous Drainage
What is the function of the azygos vein in the posterior mediastinum?
It drains blood from the thoracic wall and upper lumbar region into the superior vena cava.
p.27
Blood Supply to the Pleura
What artery supplies the lower third of the esophagus?
Esophageal branches of the left gastric artery.
p.6
Pleural Cavity Structure and Function
What happens if the cohesive seal between the pleural layers is broken?
The lung will collapse, a condition known as atelectasis.
p.34
Nerve Supply of the Thoracic Cavity
What muscle does the phrenic nerve course vertically along?
The anterior scalene muscle.
p.14
Pleural Recesses and Their Clinical Significance
What is the function of costomediastinal recesses?
They allow for lung expansion during deep breathing.
p.35
Nerve Supply of the Thoracic Cavity
What types of fibers primarily compose the sympathetic trunk?
Ascending and descending preganglionic sympathetic fibers and visceral afferent fibers.
p.35
Nerve Supply of the Thoracic Cavity
What do postganglionic sympathetic fibers innervate?
Blood vessels, sweat glands, and arrector pili muscles.
p.25
Esophagus Anatomy and Function
What are the lengths of the three parts of the esophagus?
Cervical part: 4 cm, Thoracic part: 20 cm, Abdominal part: 1-2 cm.
How do vagus nerves supply the esophagus?
Via the esophageal plexus.
Where do the pre-ganglionic fibers of the vagus nerve originate?
From the medulla oblongata.
Where do the pre-ganglionic fibers travel in the thorax?
Posterior to the root of the lung.
p.7
Parietal and Visceral Pleura
What does the mediastinal pleura line?
The lateral surface of the mediastinum.
p.24
Esophagus Anatomy and Function
Where does the esophagus begin?
At the lower border of the cricoid cartilage.
p.6
Pleural Cavity Structure and Function
What is atelectasis?
A condition where the lung collapses.
p.16
Blood Supply to the Pleura
What arteries supply blood to the parietal pleura?
Intercostal arteries, internal thoracic artery, and musculophrenic artery.
p.2
Thoracic Cavity Compartments
Are the thoracic cavity compartments interconnected?
No, they are not interconnected.
p.32
Nerve Supply of the Thoracic Cavity
What structure does the left recurrent laryngeal nerve hook around?
The aortic arch by the ligamentum arteriosum.
p.31
Nerve Supply of the Thoracic Cavity
Where does the Right Vagus nerve descend into?
The thoracic cavity, anterior to the right subclavian artery.
p.44
Azygos System and Venous Drainage
What forms the azygos vein?
The right ascending lumbar and subcostal veins unite to form the azygos vein.
p.23
Esophagus Anatomy and Function
What are the two main branches of the trachea called?
Right and left principal bronchus.
p.7
Parietal and Visceral Pleura
What is the cervical pleura?
The part of the parietal pleura that extends above rib 1 to the neck root.
What is the significance of the thoracic aorta in the posterior mediastinum?
It supplies blood to the thoracic wall and organs.
p.14
Pleural Recesses and Their Clinical Significance
What are costomediastinal recesses?
Spaces located between the costal pleura and mediastinal pleura.
p.16
Venous Drainage in the Thoracic Region
Which veins primarily drain the parietal pleura?
Azygos vein and internal thoracic vein.
p.7
Parietal and Visceral Pleura
What is the parietal pleura?
Connective tissue that forms the outer limits of the pleural cavity.
What veins form the Superior Vena Cava?
The left and right brachiocephalic veins.
p.44
Azygos System and Venous Drainage
How does the azygos vein ascend into the thorax?
Through the aortic opening of the diaphragm.
p.4
Pleural Cavity Structure and Function
Where do the visceral and parietal pleura connect?
At the root of the lung (cuff of pleura).
p.44
Azygos System and Venous Drainage
Which veins does the azygos vein indirectly connect with?
The left-sided hemiazygos and accessory hemiazygos veins.
p.4
Pleural Cavity Structure and Function
What is the function of serous fluid in the pleural cavity?
To lubricate the surfaces and reduce friction during respiration.
p.42
Esophagus Anatomy and Function
What role does the esophagus play in the posterior mediastinum?
It is the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach.
p.23
Esophagus Anatomy and Function
At what anatomical landmark does the trachea divide into the right and left principal bronchus?
Just inferior to the sternal angle.
What is the middle mediastinum?
A compartment of the mediastinum that contains the heart and pericardium.
p.3
Parietal and Visceral Pleura
What are the two layers of the pleura?
The parietal pleura and the visceral pleura.
p.44
Azygos System and Venous Drainage
Which veins does the azygos vein directly connect with?
The posterior intercostal veins.
What structures are found in the posterior mediastinum?
The thoracic aorta, esophagus, azygos vein, hemiazygos vein, and thoracic duct.
What is the location of the posterior mediastinum?
It is located behind the heart and the pericardium, between the thoracic vertebrae and the diaphragm.
What role does the thoracic duct play in the posterior mediastinum?
It is responsible for lymphatic drainage from the lower body and left side of the upper body.
p.13
Pleural Recesses and Their Clinical Significance
What occurs to the lung during expiration?
The lung retreats from the spaces.
p.20
Thymus Anatomy and Function
What happens to the thymus as a person ages?
It atrophies and is replaced by fatty tissue.
p.36
Nerve Supply of the Thoracic Cavity
Where does the greater splanchnic nerve perforate?
The crus of the diaphragm.
p.36
Nerve Supply of the Thoracic Cavity
What is an alternative pathway for the greater splanchnic nerve?
It may occasionally pass through the aortic hiatus.
p.43
Esophagus Anatomy and Function
What branches supply the middle third of the esophagus?
Multiple esophageal branches.
p.4
Pleural Cavity Structure and Function
What are the two layers of the pleura?
Visceral pleura and parietal pleura.
p.3
Pleural Cavity Structure and Function
What is the function of the pleural cavity?
To reduce friction between the lungs and the chest wall during breathing.
p.3
Pleural Cavity Structure and Function
What happens if air enters the pleural cavity?
It can lead to a pneumothorax, causing lung collapse.
p.43
Blood Supply to the Pleura
What arteries are paired and supply the area below the ribs?
Paired subcostal arteries.
p.27
Blood Supply to the Pleura
Which arteries supply the middle third of the esophagus?
Esophageal branches of the thoracic aorta.
p.13
Pleural Recesses and Their Clinical Significance
Where are the costomediastinal recesses located?
Posterior to the sternum, where the costal parietal pleura contacts the mediastinal parietal pleura.
What are the other two branches of the aortic arch?
Left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery.
p.7
Parietal and Visceral Pleura
What does the costal pleura line?
The internal surface of the ribs.
p.24
Esophagus Anatomy and Function
What is the esophagus?
A narrow muscular tube extending from the pharynx to the stomach.
p.46
Azygos System and Venous Drainage
Which posterior intercostal veins does the Hemiazygos vein receive?
Posterior intercostal veins 9 to 11.
p.31
Nerve Supply of the Thoracic Cavity
What is the function of the Right recurrent laryngeal nerve?
It is a branch of the Right Vagus nerve.
p.4
Pleural Cavity Structure and Function
What is normally found in the pleural cavity?
A thin film of tissue fluid (serous fluid).
What structures are found in the posterior mediastinum?
The esophagus, descending aorta, azygos and hemiazygos veins, thoracic duct, and sympathetic trunks.
p.43
Blood Supply to the Pleura
Which arteries supply the posterior regions of the diaphragm?
Paired superior phrenic arteries.
What is the location of the posterior mediastinum?
It is located behind the heart and pericardium, between the vertebral column and the diaphragm.
p.44
Azygos System and Venous Drainage
What happens to the azygos vein at the TTP?
It arches over the right primary bronchus and converges with the superior vena cava (SVC).
p.43
Blood Supply to the Pleura
Which arteries supply the posterior intercostal region?
3rd to 11th posterior intercostal arteries.
What is the primary function of the posterior mediastinum?
To house and protect vital structures such as the esophagus and major blood vessels.
p.7
Parietal and Visceral Pleura
What is the endothoracic fascia?
Connective tissue that separates the parietal pleura from ribs and intercostal muscles.
p.42
Lymphatic Drainage in the Thoracic Region
What is the thoracic duct's role in the posterior mediastinum?
It is the main lymphatic vessel that drains lymph from the body into the venous system.
