Mediastinum and Sympathetic Nervous System Overview

These flashcards cover the key concepts related to the mediastinum and sympathetic nervous system as outlined in the lecture notes.

What is the central region between the right and left pulmonary cavities called?

Mediastinum

What are the two main divisions of the mediastinum?

Superior mediastinum and inferior mediastinum.

At which vertebral level does the superior mediastinum extend?

T1 to T4.

What structures are primarily contained in the superior mediastinum?

Superior vena cava, brachiocephalic veins, arch of aorta, thoracic duct, trachea, thymus, vagus nerve, left recurrent laryngeal nerve, and phrenic nerve.

Where does the esophagus pierce the diaphragm?

At the T10 vertebral level.

What vessels drain into the superior vena cava?

Azygos vein and left & right brachiocephalic veins.

What major nerves are found in the inferior mediastinum?

Phrenic nerve and sympathetic trunk.

What does the greater thoracic splanchnic nerve innervate?

Abdominal organs.

Which branch of the aorta supplies the right common carotid artery?

Brachiocephalic trunk.

How are sympathetic preganglionic neurons classified?

VE sym/pre (sympathetic preganglionic).

What happens when sympathetic fibers reach the sympathetic chain?

They can synapse at the entry level, ascend, descend, or pass through without synapsing.

What are the four scenarios for sympathetic fiber pathways?

1. Synapse at entry level; 2. Ascend and synapse in cervical ganglia; 3. Descend to lumbar/sacral ganglia; 4. Pass through without synapsing.

What is the main function of the thymus gland in childhood?

T cell maturation.

What clinical condition can occur from infections spreading via the prevertebral space?

Necrotizing mediastinitis.

What does the phrenic nerve innervate?

The diaphragm.

Where does the thoracic duct drain lymph?

Into the left venous angle.

What anatomical space connects the retropharyngeal space to the mediastinum?

Prevertebral 'Danger' space.