Mediastinum anatomy test

Assess knowledge of the mediastinum's topography. The test evaluates the boundaries, division into sections, and the syntopy of the thoracic cavity's organs, vessels, and nerves.

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1. Which anatomical structure or imaginary plane forms the superior boundary of the mediastinum?

Superior thoracic aperture (apertura thoracis superior)

The superior boundary of the mediastinum is the superior thoracic aperture, through which it freely communicates with the neck's fascial spaces.
Horizontal plane at the level of the sternal angle

The superior boundary of the mediastinum is the superior thoracic aperture, through which it freely communicates with the neck's fascial spaces.
Sternal notch

The superior boundary of the mediastinum is the superior thoracic aperture, through which it freely communicates with the neck's fascial spaces.
Level of the clavicles

The superior boundary of the mediastinum is the superior thoracic aperture, through which it freely communicates with the neck's fascial spaces.
I find it difficult to answer

The superior boundary of the mediastinum is the superior thoracic aperture, through which it freely communicates with the neck's fascial spaces.

2. What anatomical structures limit the mediastinum laterally?

Internal thoracic fascia

The mediastinum is limited laterally (to the right and to the left) by the mediastinal part of the parietal pleura.
Mediastinal part of the parietal pleura (pars mediastinalis pleurae parietalis)

The mediastinum is limited laterally (to the right and to the left) by the mediastinal part of the parietal pleura.
Visceral pleura

The mediastinum is limited laterally (to the right and to the left) by the mediastinal part of the parietal pleura.
Ribs and intercostal muscles

The mediastinum is limited laterally (to the right and to the left) by the mediastinal part of the parietal pleura.
I find it difficult to answer

The mediastinum is limited laterally (to the right and to the left) by the mediastinal part of the parietal pleura.

3. At what level does the imaginary horizontal plane pass, separating the upper and lower mediastinum (according to Terminologia Anatomica)?

At the level of the junction of the body of the sternum and the xiphoid process

The boundary between the upper and lower mediastinum is outlined by an imaginary horizontal plane passing from the sternal angle anteriorly to the intervertebral disc Th4-Th5 posteriorly.
From the sternal notch to the intervertebral disc Th1-Th2

The boundary between the upper and lower mediastinum is outlined by an imaginary horizontal plane passing from the sternal angle anteriorly to the intervertebral disc Th4-Th5 posteriorly.
From the sternal angle (angulus sterni) to the intervertebral disc between Th4 and Th5

The boundary between the upper and lower mediastinum is outlined by an imaginary horizontal plane passing from the sternal angle anteriorly to the intervertebral disc Th4-Th5 posteriorly.
Along the inferior margin of the aortic arch

The boundary between the upper and lower mediastinum is outlined by an imaginary horizontal plane passing from the sternal angle anteriorly to the intervertebral disc Th4-Th5 posteriorly.
I find it difficult to answer

The boundary between the upper and lower mediastinum is outlined by an imaginary horizontal plane passing from the sternal angle anteriorly to the intervertebral disc Th4-Th5 posteriorly.

4. Which structures are located in the anterior mediastinum (mediastinum anterius) in adults?

Thymus, aortic arch, superior vena cava

The anterior mediastinum, located between the body of the sternum and the pericardium, contains adipose tissue, branches of internal thoracic vessels, and parasternal lymph nodes.
Heart with pericardium and phrenic nerves

The anterior mediastinum, located between the body of the sternum and the pericardium, contains adipose tissue, branches of internal thoracic vessels, and parasternal lymph nodes.
Descending aorta, esophagus, thoracic duct

The anterior mediastinum, located between the body of the sternum and the pericardium, contains adipose tissue, branches of internal thoracic vessels, and parasternal lymph nodes.
Adipose tissue, internal thoracic vessels, and parasternal lymph nodes

The anterior mediastinum, located between the body of the sternum and the pericardium, contains adipose tissue, branches of internal thoracic vessels, and parasternal lymph nodes.
I find it difficult to answer

The anterior mediastinum, located between the body of the sternum and the pericardium, contains adipose tissue, branches of internal thoracic vessels, and parasternal lymph nodes.

5. What is the topographic relationship between the vagus (n. vagus) and phrenic (n. phrenicus) nerves with the root of the lung in the mediastinum?

The vagus nerve passes anteriorly, while the phrenic nerve passes posteriorly to the root of the lung

In the mediastinum, the phrenic nerve (n. phrenicus) always passes anteriorly to the root of the corresponding lung, whereas the vagus nerve (n. vagus) descends behind it.
The vagus nerve passes posteriorly, while the phrenic nerve passes anteriorly to the root of the lung

In the mediastinum, the phrenic nerve (n. phrenicus) always passes anteriorly to the root of the corresponding lung, whereas the vagus nerve (n. vagus) descends behind it.
Both nerves pass anteriorly to the root of the lung

In the mediastinum, the phrenic nerve (n. phrenicus) always passes anteriorly to the root of the corresponding lung, whereas the vagus nerve (n. vagus) descends behind it.
Both nerves pass posteriorly to the root of the lung

In the mediastinum, the phrenic nerve (n. phrenicus) always passes anteriorly to the root of the corresponding lung, whereas the vagus nerve (n. vagus) descends behind it.
I find it difficult to answer

In the mediastinum, the phrenic nerve (n. phrenicus) always passes anteriorly to the root of the corresponding lung, whereas the vagus nerve (n. vagus) descends behind it.

6. Which of the listed structures is the primary content of the middle mediastinum (mediastinum medius)?

Heart and pericardium

The middle mediastinum contains the heart (cor), covered by the pericardium (pericardium), along with intrapericardial sections of large vessels and the root of the lungs.
Trachea

The middle mediastinum contains the heart (cor), covered by the pericardium (pericardium), along with intrapericardial sections of large vessels and the root of the lungs.
Thymus

The middle mediastinum contains the heart (cor), covered by the pericardium (pericardium), along with intrapericardial sections of large vessels and the root of the lungs.
Thoracic duct

The middle mediastinum contains the heart (cor), covered by the pericardium (pericardium), along with intrapericardial sections of large vessels and the root of the lungs.
I find it difficult to answer

The middle mediastinum contains the heart (cor), covered by the pericardium (pericardium), along with intrapericardial sections of large vessels and the root of the lungs.

7. Where is the thoracic duct (ductus thoracicus) located in the posterior mediastinum at the level of Th8?

Anterior to the esophagus

In the lower section of the posterior mediastinum, the thoracic duct passes through the tissue between the thoracic aorta (left) and the azygos vein (right), located behind the esophagus.
To the left of the descending aorta

In the lower section of the posterior mediastinum, the thoracic duct passes through the tissue between the thoracic aorta (left) and the azygos vein (right), located behind the esophagus.
To the right of the azygos vein

In the lower section of the posterior mediastinum, the thoracic duct passes through the tissue between the thoracic aorta (left) and the azygos vein (right), located behind the esophagus.
Between the descending aorta and the azygos vein, behind the esophagus

In the lower section of the posterior mediastinum, the thoracic duct passes through the tissue between the thoracic aorta (left) and the azygos vein (right), located behind the esophagus.
I find it difficult to answer

In the lower section of the posterior mediastinum, the thoracic duct passes through the tissue between the thoracic aorta (left) and the azygos vein (right), located behind the esophagus.

8. How does the topographic relationship between the esophagus and the descending thoracic aorta change in the posterior mediastinum from top to bottom?

The esophagus is located to the left of the aorta, then crosses it posteriorly

In the upper part of the posterior mediastinum, the esophagus lies to the right of the aorta. Below, it obliquely crosses the aorta anteriorly, shifting to the left and anteriorly before passing through the diaphragm.
The aorta is located anterior to the esophagus throughout

In the upper part of the posterior mediastinum, the esophagus lies to the right of the aorta. Below, it obliquely crosses the aorta anteriorly, shifting to the left and anteriorly before passing through the diaphragm.
The esophagus is located to the right of the aorta, then crosses it anteriorly, shifting to the left

In the upper part of the posterior mediastinum, the esophagus lies to the right of the aorta. Below, it obliquely crosses the aorta anteriorly, shifting to the left and anteriorly before passing through the diaphragm.
The esophagus and aorta run parallel, not crossing each other

In the upper part of the posterior mediastinum, the esophagus lies to the right of the aorta. Below, it obliquely crosses the aorta anteriorly, shifting to the left and anteriorly before passing through the diaphragm.
I find it difficult to answer

In the upper part of the posterior mediastinum, the esophagus lies to the right of the aorta. Below, it obliquely crosses the aorta anteriorly, shifting to the left and anteriorly before passing through the diaphragm.

9. Around which structure does the left recurrent laryngeal nerve (n. laryngeus recurrens sinister) loop in the upper mediastinum?

Around the aortic arch, laterally to the ligamentum arteriosum

The left recurrent laryngeal nerve branches from the left vagus nerve, loops around the aortic arch inferiorly and posteriorly (lateral to the ligamentum arteriosum) and ascends into the neck.
Around the right subclavian artery

The left recurrent laryngeal nerve branches from the left vagus nerve, loops around the aortic arch inferiorly and posteriorly (lateral to the ligamentum arteriosum) and ascends into the neck.
Around the azygos vein

The left recurrent laryngeal nerve branches from the left vagus nerve, loops around the aortic arch inferiorly and posteriorly (lateral to the ligamentum arteriosum) and ascends into the neck.
Around the left main bronchus

The left recurrent laryngeal nerve branches from the left vagus nerve, loops around the aortic arch inferiorly and posteriorly (lateral to the ligamentum arteriosum) and ascends into the neck.
I find it difficult to answer

The left recurrent laryngeal nerve branches from the left vagus nerve, loops around the aortic arch inferiorly and posteriorly (lateral to the ligamentum arteriosum) and ascends into the neck.

10. In which section of the mediastinum do the major and minor splanchnic nerves (nn. splanchnici major et minor) pass?

In the anterior mediastinum

The splanchnic nerves are formed from the thoracic ganglia of the sympathetic trunk and descend along the lateral surfaces of the vertebral bodies in the posterior mediastinum (mediastinum posterius).
In the middle mediastinum

The splanchnic nerves are formed from the thoracic ganglia of the sympathetic trunk and descend along the lateral surfaces of the vertebral bodies in the posterior mediastinum (mediastinum posterius).
In the superior mediastinum

The splanchnic nerves are formed from the thoracic ganglia of the sympathetic trunk and descend along the lateral surfaces of the vertebral bodies in the posterior mediastinum (mediastinum posterius).
In the posterior mediastinum

The splanchnic nerves are formed from the thoracic ganglia of the sympathetic trunk and descend along the lateral surfaces of the vertebral bodies in the posterior mediastinum (mediastinum posterius).
I find it difficult to answer

The splanchnic nerves are formed from the thoracic ganglia of the sympathetic trunk and descend along the lateral surfaces of the vertebral bodies in the posterior mediastinum (mediastinum posterius).

11. In which sections of the mediastinum is the thymus (thymus) located in children?

Only in the anterior

In children, the thymus occupies a significant part of the upper mediastinum and descends into the anterior mediastinum, located anterior to large vessels and the pericardium.
In the upper and anterior

In children, the thymus occupies a significant part of the upper mediastinum and descends into the anterior mediastinum, located anterior to large vessels and the pericardium.
In the middle and posterior

In children, the thymus occupies a significant part of the upper mediastinum and descends into the anterior mediastinum, located anterior to large vessels and the pericardium.
Only in the upper

In children, the thymus occupies a significant part of the upper mediastinum and descends into the anterior mediastinum, located anterior to large vessels and the pericardium.
I find it difficult to answer

In children, the thymus occupies a significant part of the upper mediastinum and descends into the anterior mediastinum, located anterior to large vessels and the pericardium.

12. Through which structure does the arch of the azygos vein (arcus v. azygos) pass before emptying into the superior vena cava?

Through the left main bronchus

The azygos vein in the posterior mediastinum ascends upward, arches over the root of the right lung (above the right main bronchus) at the level of Th4, and empties into the superior vena cava.
Through the aortic arch

The azygos vein in the posterior mediastinum ascends upward, arches over the root of the right lung (above the right main bronchus) at the level of Th4, and empties into the superior vena cava.
Through the right main bronchus

The azygos vein in the posterior mediastinum ascends upward, arches over the root of the right lung (above the right main bronchus) at the level of Th4, and empties into the superior vena cava.
Through the esophagus

The azygos vein in the posterior mediastinum ascends upward, arches over the root of the right lung (above the right main bronchus) at the level of Th4, and empties into the superior vena cava.
I find it difficult to answer

The azygos vein in the posterior mediastinum ascends upward, arches over the root of the right lung (above the right main bronchus) at the level of Th4, and empties into the superior vena cava.

13. In what order (right to left) do the major branches come off the aortic arch in the normal upper mediastinum?

Left common carotid artery, brachiocephalic trunk, left subclavian artery

Normally, from the convex semicircle of the aortic arch in the upper mediastinum, the vessels branch from right to left as follows: brachiocephalic trunk (truncus brachiocephalicus), left common carotid, and left subclavian arteries.
Brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery, left subclavian artery

Normally, from the convex semicircle of the aortic arch in the upper mediastinum, the vessels branch from right to left as follows: brachiocephalic trunk (truncus brachiocephalicus), left common carotid, and left subclavian arteries.
Right subclavian artery, right common carotid artery, left brachiocephalic trunk

Normally, from the convex semicircle of the aortic arch in the upper mediastinum, the vessels branch from right to left as follows: brachiocephalic trunk (truncus brachiocephalicus), left common carotid, and left subclavian arteries.
Left subclavian artery, left common carotid artery, brachiocephalic trunk

Normally, from the convex semicircle of the aortic arch in the upper mediastinum, the vessels branch from right to left as follows: brachiocephalic trunk (truncus brachiocephalicus), left common carotid, and left subclavian arteries.
I find it difficult to answer

Normally, from the convex semicircle of the aortic arch in the upper mediastinum, the vessels branch from right to left as follows: brachiocephalic trunk (truncus brachiocephalicus), left common carotid, and left subclavian arteries.

14. Where are the lower tracheobronchial (bifurcation) lymph nodes (nodi lymphatici tracheobronchiales inferiores) located?

Below the bifurcation of the trachea, between the main bronchi

The lower tracheobronchial nodes are located in the middle mediastinum directly below the bifurcation of the trachea in the angle between the right and left main bronchi.
In the posterior mediastinum behind the esophagus

The lower tracheobronchial nodes are located in the middle mediastinum directly below the bifurcation of the trachea in the angle between the right and left main bronchi.
In the anterior mediastinum anterior to the aortic arch

The lower tracheobronchial nodes are located in the middle mediastinum directly below the bifurcation of the trachea in the angle between the right and left main bronchi.
In the upper mediastinum along the jugular veins

The lower tracheobronchial nodes are located in the middle mediastinum directly below the bifurcation of the trachea in the angle between the right and left main bronchi.
I find it difficult to answer

The lower tracheobronchial nodes are located in the middle mediastinum directly below the bifurcation of the trachea in the angle between the right and left main bronchi.

15. At what topographic level do the right and left brachiocephalic veins merge to form the superior vena cava (v. cava superior)?

At the level of the sternal angle

The superior vena cava is formed by the merger of the left and right brachiocephalic veins in the upper mediastinum behind the junction of the first right rib cartilage with the sternum.
Behind the left sternoclavicular joint

The superior vena cava is formed by the merger of the left and right brachiocephalic veins in the upper mediastinum behind the junction of the first right rib cartilage with the sternum.
Behind the junction of the first right rib cartilage with the sternum

The superior vena cava is formed by the merger of the left and right brachiocephalic veins in the upper mediastinum behind the junction of the first right rib cartilage with the sternum.
At the level of the third right costal cartilage

The superior vena cava is formed by the merger of the left and right brachiocephalic veins in the upper mediastinum behind the junction of the first right rib cartilage with the sternum.
I find it difficult to answer

The superior vena cava is formed by the merger of the left and right brachiocephalic veins in the upper mediastinum behind the junction of the first right rib cartilage with the sternum.

16. To which part of the mediastinum do they topographically assign the thoracic part of the sympathetic trunk (truncus sympathicus)?

To the upper mediastinum

The sympathetic trunks are located in the posterior mediastinum (mediastinum posterius) on either side of the vertebral column, anteverted relative to the heads of the corresponding ribs.
To the middle mediastinum

The sympathetic trunks are located in the posterior mediastinum (mediastinum posterius) on either side of the vertebral column, anteverted relative to the heads of the corresponding ribs.
To the anterior mediastinum

The sympathetic trunks are located in the posterior mediastinum (mediastinum posterius) on either side of the vertebral column, anteverted relative to the heads of the corresponding ribs.
To the posterior mediastinum

The sympathetic trunks are located in the posterior mediastinum (mediastinum posterius) on either side of the vertebral column, anteverted relative to the heads of the corresponding ribs.
I find it difficult to answer

The sympathetic trunks are located in the posterior mediastinum (mediastinum posterius) on either side of the vertebral column, anteverted relative to the heads of the corresponding ribs.

17. Between which vessels in the superior mediastinum is the ligamentum arteriosum (a remnant of the ductus arteriosus) situated?

Between the ascending aorta and the superior vena cava

The ligamentum arteriosum is stretched between the concave surface of the aortic arch and the site of bifurcation of the pulmonary trunk (or the onset of the left pulmonary artery).
Between the aortic arch and the pulmonary trunk (or the left pulmonary artery)

The ligamentum arteriosum is stretched between the concave surface of the aortic arch and the site of bifurcation of the pulmonary trunk (or the onset of the left pulmonary artery).
Between the pulmonary trunk and the inferior vena cava

The ligamentum arteriosum is stretched between the concave surface of the aortic arch and the site of bifurcation of the pulmonary trunk (or the onset of the left pulmonary artery).
Between the brachiocephalic trunk and the left common carotid artery

The ligamentum arteriosum is stretched between the concave surface of the aortic arch and the site of bifurcation of the pulmonary trunk (or the onset of the left pulmonary artery).
I find it difficult to answer

The ligamentum arteriosum is stretched between the concave surface of the aortic arch and the site of bifurcation of the pulmonary trunk (or the onset of the left pulmonary artery).

18. What structure is formed by the vagus nerves (nn. vagi) in the lower part of the posterior mediastinum?

Pulmonary plexus (plexus pulmonalis)

Below the roots of the lungs in the posterior mediastinum, the left and right vagus nerves split into branches forming a dense esophageal plexus on the walls of the esophagus.
Deep cardiac plexus (plexus cardiacus profundus)

Below the roots of the lungs in the posterior mediastinum, the left and right vagus nerves split into branches forming a dense esophageal plexus on the walls of the esophagus.
Esophageal plexus (plexus oesophageus)

Below the roots of the lungs in the posterior mediastinum, the left and right vagus nerves split into branches forming a dense esophageal plexus on the walls of the esophagus.
Thoracic aortic plexus (plexus aorticus thoracicus)

Below the roots of the lungs in the posterior mediastinum, the left and right vagus nerves split into branches forming a dense esophageal plexus on the walls of the esophagus.
I find it difficult to answer

Below the roots of the lungs in the posterior mediastinum, the left and right vagus nerves split into branches forming a dense esophageal plexus on the walls of the esophagus.

19. Between what structures does the phrenic nerve (n. phrenicus) pass in the middle mediastinum?

Between the mediastinal pleura and the pericardium

In the middle mediastinum, the phrenic nerves descend to the diaphragm within the adipose tissue positioned between the mediastinal parietal pleura and the lateral surface of the pericardium.
Between the visceral pleura and the intrathoracic fascia

In the middle mediastinum, the phrenic nerves descend to the diaphragm within the adipose tissue positioned between the mediastinal parietal pleura and the lateral surface of the pericardium.
Inside the pericardial cavity

In the middle mediastinum, the phrenic nerves descend to the diaphragm within the adipose tissue positioned between the mediastinal parietal pleura and the lateral surface of the pericardium.
Between the esophagus and the descending aorta

In the middle mediastinum, the phrenic nerves descend to the diaphragm within the adipose tissue positioned between the mediastinal parietal pleura and the lateral surface of the pericardium.
I find it difficult to answer

In the middle mediastinum, the phrenic nerves descend to the diaphragm within the adipose tissue positioned between the mediastinal parietal pleura and the lateral surface of the pericardium.

20. In which part of the mediastinum is the thoracic part of the trachea located up to its bifurcation?

In the anterior mediastinum

The thoracic part of the trachea is located in the superior mediastinum (mediastinum superius). Its bifurcation is located at the boundary between the superior and middle mediastinum.
In the posterior mediastinum

The thoracic part of the trachea is located in the superior mediastinum (mediastinum superius). Its bifurcation is located at the boundary between the superior and middle mediastinum.
In the middle mediastinum

The thoracic part of the trachea is located in the superior mediastinum (mediastinum superius). Its bifurcation is located at the boundary between the superior and middle mediastinum.
In the superior mediastinum

The thoracic part of the trachea is located in the superior mediastinum (mediastinum superius). Its bifurcation is located at the boundary between the superior and middle mediastinum.
I find it difficult to answer

The thoracic part of the trachea is located in the superior mediastinum (mediastinum superius). Its bifurcation is located at the boundary between the superior and middle mediastinum.