Learning Objectives

• Describe the arrangement and contents of the superior, anterior, middle, and posterior parts of the mediastinum
• Describe the course, major relations, and neurovascular supply of the oesophagus within the thorax
• Describe the course and major relations of the thoracic duct. Explain the lymph drainage within the thorax and its clinical significance
• Describe the origin, course, and distribution of the Vagus and phrenic nerves
• Describe the course of the ascending aorta, the arch of the aorta, and the descending thoracic aorta. Name their major branches and the structures they supply
• Describe the distribution and function of the sympathetic chains. Explain the mechanism of referred pain from T1‐5 sympathetic afferents to the chest wall and relate it to the thoracic viscera
• Describe the arrangement of the fibrous and serous layers of the pericardium and relate it to conditions such as cardiac tamponade and pericarditis
• Describe the surface markings of the heart based on its location and orientation in the thoracic cavity
• Identify the major anatomical features of each chamber of the heart and explain their functional significance
• Describe the structure and function of the fibrous skeleton of the heart
• Describe the structure and position of the atrioventricular and semilunar valves and describe their function in the prevention of reflux of blood during the cardiac cycle
• Describe the origin, course, and relationships of the great vessels. Name their major branches/tributaries and the structures they supply/ drain
• Describe the origins, courses, and relationships of the brachiocephalic veins, inferior and superior venae cavae, and the azygos venous system
• Apply your knowledge of the structure of the heart to the pathway of blood through the heart and into the pulmonary and systemic circulations
• Describe the origin, course, and main branches of the left and right coronary arteries and discuss the functional consequences of their obstruction in conditions such as ischemic heart disease
• Describe the anatomical course of the spread of electrical excitation through the chambers of the heart
• Compare and contrast the circulation between a foetus and an adult

Mediastinum