Pericardium

• What is the definition of the mediastinum?

  The mediastinum is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity.

  
• What structures cover the mediastinum on either side?

  Mediastinal pleura covers it on either side.
• What is the anterior boundary of the mediastinum?

  The anterior boundary is the sternum.
• What is the posterior boundary of the mediastinum?

  The posterior boundary is the vertebral column.
• What is the superior boundary of the mediastinum?

  The superior boundary is the thoracic inlet.
• What is the inferior boundary of the mediastinum?

  The inferior boundary is the diaphragm.
• Why is the mediastinum considered highly mobile?

  It consists primarily of hollow visceral structures.
• How is the mediastinum divided?

  • Divided into superior and inferior mediastinum.
  • Divided by the transverse thoracic plane.
  • Inferior mediastinum further divided into anterior, middle, and posterior parts.

  
• What is the imaginary plane that divides the mediastinum?

  The transverse thoracic plane divides it.
• What vertebrae does the transverse thoracic plane pass through posteriorly?

  It passes through T4 and T5 vertebrae.
• What are the parts of the inferior mediastinum?

  • Anterior mediastinum: in front of the pericardium.
  • Posterior mediastinum: behind the pericardium.
  • Middle mediastinum: contains the pericardium and its contents.

  
• What is the anterior boundary of the superior mediastinum?

  The anterior boundary is the manubrium sterni.
• What is the posterior boundary of the superior mediastinum?

  The posterior boundary is the upper 4 thoracic vertebrae.
• What are the main contents of the superior mediastinum?

  Trachea and arch of aorta with branches.
• What is the anterior boundary of the anterior mediastinum?

  The anterior boundary is the body of sternum and xiphoid process.
• What is the posterior boundary of the anterior mediastinum?

  The posterior boundary is the pericardium and heart.
• What are the main contents of the anterior mediastinum?

  Sternopericardial ligaments and remnant of thymus.
• What is the anterior boundary of the middle mediastinum?

  The anterior boundary is the anterior mediastinum.
• What is the posterior boundary of the middle mediastinum?

  The posterior boundary is the posterior mediastinum.
• What are the main contents of the middle mediastinum?

  Pericardium and heart, great vessels.

  
• What is the anterior boundary of the posterior mediastinum?

  The anterior boundary is the pericardium and diaphragm.
• What is the posterior boundary of the posterior mediastinum?

  The posterior boundary is the lower 8 thoracic vertebrae.
• What are the main contents of the posterior mediastinum?

  Esophagus, descending thoracic aorta, azygos veins.
• What is the definition of the pericardium?

  Fibro-serous sac surrounding the heart.

  
• What are the functions of the pericardium?

  Protection, limits movement, restricts distension, lubrication.
• What are the layers of the pericardium?

  • Fibrous pericardium: tough outer layer.
  • Serous pericardium: double-layered inner membrane.

  
• What is the blood supply to the pericardium?

  Pericardiophrenic a., internal thoracic a., descending thoracic aorta.
• What is the nerve supply to the fibrous pericardium?

  Supplied by the phrenic nerve (C3,4,5).
• What is the significance of the bare area of the pericardium?

  It allows access for pericardiocentesis.
• What are the conditions related to the pericardium?

  • Pericarditis: inflammation of pericardium.
  • Pericardial effusion: fluid in pericardial cavity.
  • Hemopericardium: blood in pericardial cavity.
  • Cardiac tamponade: excessive fluid affecting heart function.
  • Pericardiocentesis: aspiration of pericardial fluid.
• What is the procedure for pericardiocentesis?

  A needle is introduced to aspirate fluid.
• What is hydropericardium?

  Excess serous fluid in the pericardial cavity.
• What is pyopericardium?

  Pus in the pericardial cavity.
• What is pneumopericardium?

  Air in the pericardial cavity.
• What is the location of the bare area of the pericardium?

  Opposite the anterior ends of left 4th and 5th intercostal spaces.
• What is the significance of the oblique sinus?

  It permits distension of the left atrium.
• What is the transverse sinus?

  It separates the great vessels from the atria.
• What structures are related to the oblique sinus?

  Esophagus and descending thoracic aorta.

  
• What is the function of the visceral layer of the serous pericardium?

  It covers and adheres to cardiac surfaces.

  
• What is the function of the parietal layer of the serous pericardium?

  It lines the fibrous pericardium and is pain-sensitive.