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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Take the Superior Mediastinum and Lungs Anatomy Quiz Now

Test your knowledge with mediastinum anatomy questions and lung structure challenges

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for a Superior Mediastinum Anatomy Quiz on a sky blue background

Ready to master your lung knowledge? Take the Superior Mediastinum Anatomy Quiz to challenge your grasp of superior mediastinum structures in a fun, free test. Perfect for med students, healthcare pros, and anatomy enthusiasts, you'll find each question both engaging and insightful. You'll dive into mediastinum anatomy questions and tackle a lung anatomy quiz designed to sharpen your insight into respiratory system anatomy test topics. Explore the mediastinum of lungs with our concise guide, then dive into hands-on practice via our respiratory quiz anatomy . Start now and prove you've got the expertise!

What is the superior boundary of the superior mediastinum?
Sternal angle
Diaphragm
Thoracic inlet
Transverse thoracic plane
The superior boundary of the superior mediastinum is the thoracic inlet, formed by the first thoracic vertebra, first ribs, and manubrium of the sternum. This inlet separates the neck from the thoracic cavity. Understanding this boundary is essential for anatomical orientation in the chest region. TeachMeAnatomy
Which vertebral bodies form the posterior boundary of the superior mediastinum?
T1 to T4
L1 to L4
T5 to T8
C7 to T1
The posterior boundary of the superior mediastinum is formed by the bodies of the first four thoracic vertebrae (T1 - T4). Below these vertebrae lies the transverse thoracic plane that separates the superior from the inferior mediastinum. Knowledge of these vertebral landmarks helps in imaging and anatomical dissection. Britannica
Which of these veins is located in the superior mediastinum?
Inferior vena cava
Hemiazygos vein
Superior thyroid vein
Azygos vein
The azygos vein ascends through the posterior mediastinum to arch over the right main bronchus into the superior mediastinum before draining into the superior vena cava. The hemiazygos lies on the left side and enters the azygos behind T9. The inferior vena cava does not traverse the mediastinum. TeachMeAnatomy
Which artery is the first branch off the arch of the aorta?
Left common carotid artery
Vertebral artery
Brachiocephalic trunk
Left subclavian artery
The first branch of the aortic arch is the brachiocephalic trunk, which supplies the right arm and right side of the head and neck. It divides into the right common carotid and right subclavian arteries. The left common carotid and left subclavian follow in sequence. Britannica
In which mediastinal compartment is the thymus gland located?
Superior mediastinum
Anterior mediastinum
Posterior mediastinum
Middle mediastinum
The thymus gland resides in the superior mediastinum, extending into the anterior mediastinum in childhood. It lies posterior to the manubrium and anterior to the great vessels. With age the thymus involutes but remains in this compartment. TeachMeAnatomy
At which vertebral level does the trachea bifurcate into the main bronchi?
T6 - T7
T8 - T9
T2 - T3
T4 - T5
The trachea bifurcates at the level of the sternal angle, corresponding to the vertebral level T4 - T5. This landmark separates the superior from the inferior mediastinum. Recognizing this level is important in radiology and thoracic surgery. TeachMeAnatomy
Which nerve passes anterior to the root of the lung in the superior mediastinum?
Phrenic nerve
Sympathetic trunk
Vagus nerve
Left recurrent laryngeal nerve
The phrenic nerve descends anterior to the root of the lung, whereas the vagus nerve passes posteriorly. The phrenic nerve's relationship is clinically important in thoracic surgeries and pericardial innervation. TeachMeAnatomy
The left recurrent laryngeal nerve hooks under which structure in the superior mediastinum?
Pulmonary trunk
Left brachiocephalic vein
Left subclavian artery
Ligamentum arteriosum
The left recurrent laryngeal nerve loops under the ligamentum arteriosum near the aortic arch before ascending in the tracheoesophageal groove. This anatomical relationship is key during cardiac and thyroid surgeries to avoid nerve damage. Britannica
Into which venous junction does the thoracic duct drain in the superior mediastinum?
Brachiocephalic vein
Right internal jugular and subclavian veins
Superior vena cava
Left internal jugular and subclavian veins
The thoracic duct terminates at the left venous angle, formed by the junction of the left internal jugular and subclavian veins. This allows lymph from most of the body to return to systemic circulation. TeachMeAnatomy
From which spinal nerve roots does the phrenic nerve arise?
C1 - C3
T1 - T4
C3 - C5
C5 - C7
The phrenic nerve originates from the ventral rami of C3, C4, and C5 spinal nerves, often remembered by 'C3, 4, 5 keep the diaphragm alive.' It provides motor and sensory innervation to the diaphragm. Britannica
The ligamentum arteriosum is the remnant of which fetal structure?
Ductus venosus
Ductus arteriosus
Umbilical vein
Foramen ovale
The ligamentum arteriosum is the fibrous remnant of the ductus arteriosus, which in fetal life shunts blood from the pulmonary trunk to the descending aorta. After birth, it closes and becomes this ligament. This remnant helps anchor the aorta to the pulmonary artery. TeachMeAnatomy
Which structure lies directly left of the trachea in the superior mediastinum?
Right brachiocephalic vein
Left brachiocephalic vein
Azygos vein
Superior vena cava
The left brachiocephalic vein crosses obliquely from left to right immediately anterior to the branches of the aortic arch and lies just to the left of the trachea. The right brachiocephalic is on the right side and joins its counterpart behind the sternum. TeachMeAnatomy
The brachiocephalic trunk divides into which two arteries?
Left common carotid and left subclavian
Right subclavian and left subclavian
Pulmonary trunk and ascending aorta
Right common carotid and right subclavian
The brachiocephalic trunk is the first and largest branch of the aortic arch and divides into the right common carotid and right subclavian arteries behind the right sternoclavicular joint. This supplies the right side of the head and the right upper limb. Britannica
Which structure forms the left border of the superior mediastinum?
Ascending aorta
Arch of the aorta
Pulmonary trunk
Left brachiocephalic vein
The arch of the aorta forms the left boundary of the superior mediastinum as it loops over the left main bronchus. The ascending aorta lies more centrally and the ascending pulmonary trunk lies anterior. TeachMeAnatomy
The superior vena cava begins at the junction of which veins?
Inferior vena cava and azygos vein
Azygos and hemiazygos veins
Internal jugular and subclavian veins
Right and left brachiocephalic veins
The superior vena cava is formed by the union of the right and left brachiocephalic veins behind the lower border of the right first costal cartilage. It then descends vertically to enter the right atrium. Britannica
Into which vein do the thymic veins typically drain?
Superior vena cava
Left brachiocephalic vein
Azygos vein
Internal thoracic vein
Thymic veins usually drain into the left brachiocephalic vein due to the thymus's location behind the manubrium. Some small branches may also drain into internal thoracic veins. This knowledge guides mediastinal dissections. TeachMeAnatomy
The superior mediastinum extends inferiorly to which landmark?
Fourth rib
Diaphragm
Transverse thoracic plane at the sternal angle
Xiphoid process
The inferior boundary of the superior mediastinum is the transverse thoracic plane passing through the sternal angle and the T4 - T5 intervertebral disc. Below this plane lies the inferior mediastinum. Britannica
Which cervical fascia extends into the superior mediastinum around the trachea and thyroid gland?
Prevertebral fascia
Pretracheal fascia
Carotid sheath
Investing fascia
The pretracheal fascia surrounds the trachea, esophagus, and thyroid gland, extending from the neck into the superior mediastinum. It helps maintain organ position and forms part of the pericardial fibrous coat. TeachMeAnatomy
Posterior to which structure does the esophagus pass through the superior mediastinum?
Azygos vein
Thymus
Ascending aorta
Trachea
In the superior mediastinum the esophagus lies posterior to the trachea and anterior to the vertebral column. It then descends to pierce the diaphragm at T10. This spatial relationship is important for endoscopic procedures. TeachMeAnatomy
The ligamentum arteriosum connects which two structures?
Right pulmonary artery and right atrium
Arch of the aorta and left pulmonary artery
Descending aorta and superior vena cava
Ascending aorta and right pulmonary artery
The ligamentum arteriosum is the fibrous remnant of the fetal ductus arteriosus and connects the lower border of the arch of the aorta to the left pulmonary artery. It plays a role in maintaining the position of the aortic arch. TeachMeAnatomy
Which vein drains the posterior intercostal spaces into the superior mediastinum on the right side?
Azygos vein
Accessory hemiazygos vein
Internal thoracic vein
Hemiazygos vein
The azygos vein receives the posterior intercostal veins from the right side of the thoracic wall and ascends through the posterior mediastinum to drain into the superior vena cava. Hemiazygos and accessory hemiazygos serve the left side. TeachMeAnatomy
At which vertebral level does the thoracic duct cross from right to left behind the esophagus?
T8
T3
T5
T10
The thoracic duct courses up the right side of the vertebral column and crosses behind the esophagus at the level of T5 to the left, before ascending into the superior mediastinum. This crossing is a key landmark for lymphatic imaging. Britannica
Lymph from the right lung drains primarily into which lymphatic trunk?
Cisterna chyli
Thoracic duct
Right bronchomediastinal trunk
Left bronchomediastinal trunk
Lymph from the right lung and right side of the thorax drains into the right bronchomediastinal trunk, whereas most other lymph returns via the thoracic duct. The right trunk empties into the right venous angle. TeachMeAnatomy
Which nerve provides sensory innervation to the carina during the cough reflex?
Vagus nerve
Sympathetic trunk
Intercostal nerves
Phrenic nerve
The carina is highly sensitive to stimuli, triggering cough via afferent fibers of the vagus nerve. This reflex prevents aspiration into the lower airways. The phrenic nerve has no role in carinal sensation. Britannica
As it descends in the superior mediastinum, the esophagus deviates slightly to which side relative to the trachea?
Anterior
Posterior
Left
Right
The esophagus lies posterior to the trachea and deviates slightly to the left as it descends in the superior mediastinum. This deviation correlates with the course of the descending aorta. Accurate knowledge of this relationship is vital in endoscopy. TeachMeAnatomy
Which fascia of the neck continues into the superior mediastinum enveloping the sympathetic trunks?
Investing fascia
Prevertebral fascia
Carotid sheath
Pretracheal fascia
The prevertebral fascia envelops the vertebral column and associated muscles, extending from the neck into the superior mediastinum where it surrounds the sympathetic chains. This enables sympathetically mediated functions in the thorax. TeachMeAnatomy
Opposite which vertebral level is the arch of the aorta located?
T8
T4
T2
T6
The arch of the aorta spans the vertebral level of T3 to T4, with its highest point typically at T4. It lies posterior to the manubrium and anterior to the trachea and esophagus. This vertebral correlation is used in imaging. Britannica
The ligamentum arteriosum develops from the artery of which embryonic aortic arch?
Sixth
Second
Fourth
Third
The ductus arteriosus arises from the sixth aortic arch during development and connects the pulmonary trunk to the descending aorta. After birth it closes to form the ligamentum arteriosum. The fourth arch forms parts of the aortic arch itself. TeachMeAnatomy
The brachiocephalic veins are formed posterior to the sternoclavicular joints by the union of which veins?
Vertebral and internal thoracic veins
Azygos and hemiazygos veins
External jugular and cephalic veins
Internal jugular and subclavian veins
Each brachiocephalic vein is formed behind the sternoclavicular joint by the union of the ipsilateral internal jugular and subclavian veins. They then merge to form the superior vena cava. This formation is important in central line placement. Britannica
In the superior mediastinum, the thoracic duct ascends between which two structures?
Phrenic nerve and vagus nerve
Superior vena cava and trachea
Azygos vein and aorta
Esophagus and pericardium
The thoracic duct ascends in the superior mediastinum between the azygos vein on its right and the descending aorta on its left, just posterior to the esophagus. It then arches laterally to drain into the left venous angle. TeachMeAnatomy
In the common 'bovine arch' variant of the aortic arch, which vessels share a common origin?
Brachiocephalic trunk and left common carotid artery
Right subclavian and left subclavian arteries
Right common carotid and left subclavian arteries
Left common carotid and left subclavian arteries
In the 'bovine arch' variant, the brachiocephalic trunk and the left common carotid artery arise from a shared common trunk. This variation is seen in up to 20% of individuals and has implications for carotid interventions. Britannica
The accessory hemiazygos vein most commonly drains into which vessel in the superior mediastinum?
Thoracic duct
Azygos vein
Left brachiocephalic vein
Superior vena cava
The accessory hemiazygos vein on the left crosses the midline at about T8 - T9 to join the azygos vein, which then drains into the superior vena cava. Rarely it may drain directly into the left brachiocephalic vein. TeachMeAnatomy
The thymus originates embryologically from which pharyngeal pouch?
Second pharyngeal pouch
First pharyngeal pouch
Third pharyngeal pouch
Fourth pharyngeal pouch
The thymus develops from the endoderm of the third pharyngeal pouch and descends into the superior mediastinum, dragging portions of the surrounding cervical fascia. Residual tissue along its path may form cervical thymic rests. Britannica
Which nerve passes posterior to the ligamentum arteriosum in the superior mediastinum?
Vagus nerve
Left recurrent laryngeal nerve
Right recurrent laryngeal nerve
Phrenic nerve
The left recurrent laryngeal nerve hooks under the ligamentum arteriosum and the aortic arch, then ascends in the tracheoesophageal groove. Its relationship to the ligament is crucial in left-sided thoracic and cardiac surgeries to avoid vocal cord paralysis. Britannica
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Superior Mediastinum Borders -

    After completing the quiz, you will be able to name and describe the anatomical boundaries defining the superior mediastinum.

  2. Locate Vital Vessels -

    Recognize and pinpoint major arteries and veins traversing the superior mediastinum, including the aortic arch and brachiocephalic veins.

  3. Differentiate Mediastinal Structures -

    Distinguish between the various organs and tissues in the superior mediastinum, such as the thymus, trachea, and esophagus.

  4. Integrate Lung Anatomy Context -

    Relate superior mediastinum structures to adjacent lung anatomy, reinforcing your understanding of respiratory system anatomy test concepts.

  5. Analyze Anatomical Relationships -

    Examine how mediastinal components interact spatially, improving your performance on mediastinum anatomy questions.

  6. Apply Knowledge in a Quiz Setting -

    Use your comprehension of the superior mediastinum anatomy quiz to accurately answer advanced lung anatomy quiz questions.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Borders of the Superior Mediastinum -

    The superior mediastinum extends from the thoracic inlet (T1) down to the transverse thoracic plane (T4/T5), defining its roof and floor. Remember the mnemonic "I TIP" (Inlet at T1, Plane at T4/T5) to ace this mediastinum anatomy question. Understanding these borders is crucial for any superior mediastinum anatomy quiz and clinical imaging interpretations.

  2. Key Vascular Structures -

    The arch of the aorta gives off three branches in the superior mediastinum: the brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid, and left subclavian arteries (use the "ABC's" mnemonic). Brachiocephalic veins converge posterior to the manubrium to form the superior vena cava, a fact emphasized in Gray's Anatomy. Recognizing this vascular layout boosts confidence for a lung anatomy quiz focusing on mediastinal vessels.

  3. Thymus and Lymphatics -

    The thymus sits anteriorly in the superior mediastinum, playing a key role in T-cell maturation; it involutes after puberty (OpenStax Human Anatomy & Physiology). Recall "T-BAT" (Thymus, Brachiocephalic veins, Arch of aorta, Thoracic duct) to remember main structures in exam questions. Knowing this aids you in both mediastinum anatomy questions and respiratory system anatomy tests.

  4. Nervous Components -

    The phrenic nerves run lateral to the pericardium, while vagus nerves give off the left recurrent laryngeal branch under the aortic arch (Standring's Gray's Anatomy). Use "VPP" (Vagus, Phrenic, Posterior esophagus) to distinguish these nerves in a superior mediastinum anatomy quiz. Identifying their courses is essential for understanding respiratory and cardiac innervation.

  5. Trachea and Esophagus Relations -

    The trachea lies anterior to the esophagus, both traversing the superior mediastinum toward the thorax; this alignment is tested in many lung anatomy quizzes. A simple tip is "Tract in front, Eat behind" to link respiratory and digestive pathways. Mastering this spatial relationship enhances success on mediastinum anatomy questions.

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