Advanced Superior Mediastinum Quiz

Q1. Which sequence correctly orders major superior mediastinal structures from anterior to posterior?

• Esophagus, trachea, arteries, veins, thymus
• Arteries, thymus, esophagus, veins, trachea
• Trachea, veins, thymus, esophagus, arteries
• Thymus, veins, arteries, trachea, esophagus

Q2. Which vessel passes anterior to the branches of the aortic arch?

• Thoracic duct
• Left pulmonary artery
• Left brachiocephalic vein
• Azygos vein

Q3. Which structure connects the aortic arch to the left pulmonary artery region?

• Ligamentum arteriosum
• Median arcuate ligament
• Coronary ligament
• Ligamentum venosum

Q4. Which embryonic vessel becomes the ligamentum arteriosum?

• Ductus venosus
• Ductus arteriosus
• Umbilical vein
• Vitelline duct

Q5. Which nerve passes anterior to the aortic arch and root of the left lung?

• Left phrenic nerve
• Left vagus nerve
• Left recurrent laryngeal nerve
• Greater splanchnic nerve

Q6. Which nerve crosses the aortic arch and then passes posterior to the root of the left lung?

• Right phrenic nerve
• Left phrenic nerve
• Left vagus nerve
• Left sympathetic trunk

Q7. Between which structures does the left recurrent laryngeal nerve loop?

• Aortic arch and ligamentum arteriosum
• Manubrium and thymus
• SVC and azygos arch
• Trachea and esophagus

Q8. Where does the thoracic duct usually terminate?

• Azygos vein
• Left venous angle
• Right venous angle
• Superior vena cava

Q9. Which event occurs near the transverse thoracic plane?

• Tracheal bifurcation
• IVC passage through diaphragm
• Esophageal passage through diaphragm
• Aortic passage through diaphragm

Q10. Why can an aortic arch aneurysm produce hoarseness?

• Compression of the azygos vein
• Compression of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve
• Compression of the right phrenic nerve
• Compression of the thoracic duct