Lecture Notes - Posterior Mediastinum

Landmarks and osteology:

Posterior mediasinum (definition and boundaries)

Viscera:

Esophagus

Nerves:

Phrenic nn.

Vagus nn.

Esophageal plexus

Thoracic sympathetic trunk

   Thoracic ganglia

   Cervicothoracic (stellate) ganglion

   White & gray rami communicantes

   Greater thoracic splanchnic nn.

Lymphatics:

Thoracic duct

Vessels:

Descending aorta

   Visceral branches

      Bronchial aa.

      Esophageal aa.

   Parietal branches

      Posterior intercostal aa. (3-11)

      Posterior branches of posterior intercostal aa.

      Subcostal aa. (12)

Azygos venous system & associated veins

   Azygos v.

   Hemiazygos v.

   Accessory hemiazygos v.

   Superior intercostal vv. (left & right)

   Posterior intercostal vv. (segmentals)

Clinical terms:

Chylothorax

Tracheo-esophageal fistula (esophageal atresia)

Visceral pain

Referred pain