Term
| What structures are compressed if they thymus is enlarged? |
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Definition
Posteriorly:
- R lobe- SVC
- L lobe- L. Brachiocephalic V.
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Term
| What structures important landmarks are found at the Sternal Angle/Angle of Louis? |
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Definition
- Sup/Inf. mediastinum separation
- Beginning of Arch of aorta
- Bifurcation of the trachea into primary bronchi
- Azygos V. arches over roof of R lung into SVC
- Thoracic duct travels R to L
- Upper limit of base of heart (LA)
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Term
| What are causes of mediastinal narrowing and widening? |
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Definition
Narrowing- pleural effusion, lung masses
Widdening- tumors, aneurysm, pericadial effusion |
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Term
| Describe the R and L Brachiocephalic Veins |
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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
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Term
| What is the important relationship b/t the Phrenic Nerve and vasculature? |
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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)
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Term
Why is there a close relationship b/t collapsed muscular esophagus and recurrent laryngeal nerve? |
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Definition
| The laryngeal nerves travel b/t the esophagus and trachea |
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