thoracicrelation.txt

dome -shaped muscle separating the thorax from the abdomen

most superficial muscles between ribs, fibers in a �hands-down� position

deep to external intercostals, fibers in �hands-up� position

deep to internal intercostals, fibers more horizontal

finger-like muscle on the deep surface of the anterior thoracic wall, it is part of innermost intercostal layer

• intercostal vein, artery and nerve
• runs in the costal groove of ribs; may be seen coursing through the middle of the intercostal space on the posterior thoracic wall

lateral to the sternum on both sides, internally

• visceral pleura
• serous membrane intimately attached to the lungs

serous membrane adhering to the inside of the thorax, superior surface of the diaphragm, and lining themediastinum

pleura lining the mediastinum, it contacts the fibrous pericardium

pleura lining the inside of the ribe cage

pleura covering the diaphragm

pleura forming dome-like shape over the apex of the lungs(this is also called the �cupola� � which refers to �little dome�)

space between the parietal & visceral pleura

• diaphragmatic inferior surface of lung close to diaphragm
• costal surface in contact with ribs
• mediastinal medial surface that faces mediastinum, contains root of lung structures

superior aspect of lung, projects above rib 1

• structures entering or leaving the lung
• pulmonary a.
• left lung � pulmonary a. is superior to main bronchus
• right lung � pulmonary a. is anterior to bronchus
• pulmonary v.
• left lung � pulmonary v. is anterior & inferior to bronchus
• right lung � pulmonary v. is anterior & inferior to pulmon. a.
• main bronchus
• left lung � bronchus is inf. to pulmonary. a.
• right lung � bronchus is post. to pulmonary a.

• esophagus
• posterior to the trachea & heart
• posterior to the trachea

network of nerve fibers on the esophagus

courses on the lateral sides of the vertebral column

courses inferomedially from the sympathetic trunk,immediately posterior to the heart

courses posterior to root of the lung toward esophagus

on the anterior surface of the esophagus immediately superior to the diaphragm

ascends on the ant. surf. Of vertebral bodies, post. to the esophagus, then arches over the root of the lung on the right side of the body to enter SVC

runs between the azygos v. and the aorta on the anterior surface of the vertebral column

descends inferiorly to the left of the esophagus

• IVC opening in diaphragm where IVC passes through
• Esophageal opening in diaphragm where esophagus passes thru
• Aortic opening in diaphragm for aorta (DO NOT ID)

tributaries that unite superior to the right side of the heart to form the SVC

located along the superior right margin of the heart

continuation of the ascending aorta (at the T4 level)

1st branch of aortic arch (most to the right)

2nd branch of aortic arch (betw/ brachiocephalic trunk and left subclavian a.)

3rd branch of aortic arch (most to the left)

runs anterior to the root of the lung structures

courses inferiorly over the arch of the aorta

branches from l. vagus; hooks around aortic arch

deep to the pulmonary trunk and as., T4-T5 level

two main branches of the trachea that extend from tracheal bifurcation and help form root of lung

between pulmonary trunk and aortic arch