X CLOSE

Dissection of mediastinum and paravertebral structures

Superior mediastinum.

For permissions information regarding the use of these images, please contact Drew Bourn at dbourn@stanford.edu

Image #127-3
Bassett ImageDiagram Image
Legend Image
Dissection of mediastinum and paravertebral structures
Superior mediastinum.
The thymus has been removed. Much of the lymphatic tissue in the anterior part of the superior mediastinum has been cut away. The nodes which remain retain their connections with posterior mediastinal nodes. Several lymphatic vessels from the pericardium have been preserved. The pericardial and pleural cavities have been opened. The lung is partially collapsed and has been dissected.
1 . Esophagus
2 . Brachiocephalic trunk
3 . Trachea
4 . Left vertebral artery (unusual origin from aortic arch)
5 . Left common carotid artery (cut off)
6 . Anterior mediastinal lymph node (elevated)
7 . Cardiac plexus
8 . Aortic arch
9 . Lymphatic vessels from pericardium
10 . Pericardium
11 . Pulmonary trunk
12 . Upper pointer: Thoracic duct (cut off) Lower pointer: Costocervical trunk
13 . Left subclavian artery
14 . Anterior scalene muscle
15 . Cupula pleurae
16 . Rib I (cut across)
17 . Internal thoracic artery (note plexus of nerves along artery)
18 . Left vagus nerve
19 . Posterior mediastinal lymph node
20 . Upper lobe left lung
21 . Apical branch left pulmonary artery
22 . Tracheobronchial lymph node
23 . Posterior apical segmental bronchus
24 . Left superior pulmonary vein