Dissection of mediastinum and paravertebral structures
Superior mediastinum.
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Image #127-3
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.
- Esophagus
- Brachiocephalic trunk
- Trachea
- Left vertebral artery (unusual origin from aortic arch)
- Left common carotid artery (cut off)
- Anterior mediastinal lymph node (elevated)
- Cardiac plexus
- Aortic arch
- Lymphatic vessels from pericardium
- Pericardium
- Pulmonary trunk
- Upper pointer: Thoracic duct (cut off) Lower pointer: Costocervical trunk
- Left subclavian artery
- Anterior scalene muscle
- Cupula pleurae
- Rib I (cut across)
- Internal thoracic artery (note plexus of nerves along artery)
- Left vagus nerve
- Posterior mediastinal lymph node
- Upper lobe left lung
- Apical branch left pulmonary artery
- Tracheobronchial lymph node
- Posterior apical segmental bronchus
- Left superior pulmonary vein