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Dissection of thorax from a posterior approach

Thoracic viscera.

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Image #132-5
Bassett Image
Diagram Image
Legend Image
Dissection of thorax from a posterior approach
Thoracic viscera.
The thoracic aorta and the azygos and hemiazygos veins have been removed to display the thoracic duct and the esophagus. Delicate connective tissue has been stripped from the esophageal wall. Numerous, small veins were present near the lower end of the esophagus, most of which have been cut away. The lungs are deflated.
  1. Left subclavian artery
  2. Recurrent laryngeal nerve
  3. Left superior intercostal vein
  4. Aortic arch (cut across at junction with thoracic aorta)
  5. Left pointer: Left pulmonary artery Right pointer: Recurrent laryngeal nerve
  6. Left main bronchus (note bronchial artery cut off near its source from thoracic aorta)
  7. Thoracic duct
  8. Esophagus
  9. Left inferior pulmonary vein
  10. Vagus nerve left
  11. Pericardium
  12. Lower lobe left lung
  13. Pulmonary ligament
  14. Subpericardial space (adipose tissue, veins and lymphatic structures removed)
  15. Diaphragm
  16. Upper lobe left lung
  17. Intervertebral disc Th. II-III
  18. Vagus nerve right
  19. Trachea
  20. Upper lobe right lung
  21. Right brachiocephalic vein
  22. Bronchial branch of thoracic aorta
  23. Azygos vein (cut off)
  24. Right main bronchus
  25. Right pulmonary artery
  26. Right inferior pulmonary vein
  27. Inferior lobe right lung
  28. Inferior vena cava
  29. Esophageal hiatus
  30. Upper pointer: Thoracic aorta (cut off) Lower pointer: Intervertebral disc Th. XI-XII
  31. Pleura (cut at line of reflection from diaphragm to mediastinum)