Thorax

Topics in this chapter

• Thoracic Wall and Intercostal Spaces
• Mediastinum and Its Contents
• Heart Anatomy and Coronary Circulation
• Great Vessels and Azygos System
• Diaphragm and Thoracic Openings
• Thoracic Nerves and Clinical Correlations
• Thoracic Embryology
• Thoracic Clinical Procedures

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-ADB47A

   A 45-year-old male undergoes a right posterolateral thoracotomy. During the procedure, the surgeon identifies a nerve running anterior to the root of the lung, deep to the pericardium, accompanied by the pericardiacophrenic vessels. Which of the following is the most likely identity of this nerve?

   1. A.Vagus nerve
   2. B.Phrenic nerve
   3. C.Sympathetic trunk
   4. D.Recurrent laryngeal nerve
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-584E78

   During a routine cadaveric dissection of the superior mediastinum, a medical student traces the arch of the aorta. Which of the following structures crosses anteriorly to the arch of the aorta from right to left?

   1. A.Left phrenic nerve
   2. B.Right vagus nerve
   3. C.Left recurrent laryngeal nerve
   4. D.Thoracic duct
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-48E957

   A 60-year-old heavy smoker presents with hoarseness of voice and a Pancoast tumor of the right lung apex. Compression of which anatomical structure is most directly responsible for the hoarseness?

   1. A.Right vagus nerve
   2. B.Right recurrent laryngeal nerve
   3. C.Left recurrent laryngeal nerve
   4. D.Right phrenic nerve
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-1064B2

   A 25-year-old male is stabbed in the chest at the level of the 4th intercostal space just lateral to the sternum. Which of the following structures forms the major portion of the anterior surface (sternocostal surface) of the heart?

   1. A.Left atrium
   2. B.Right atrium
   3. C.Right ventricle
   4. D.Left ventricle
   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-BD0220

   An internal thoracic artery graft is being harvested for coronary artery bypass surgery. From which parent vessel does the internal thoracic artery directly arise?

   1. A.Axillary artery
   2. B.Subclavian artery
   3. C.Descending thoracic aorta
   4. D.Brachiocephalic trunk
   See the answer and solution