Thorax · NEET PG Preparation Anatomy
During a routine cadaveric dissection of the superior mediastinum, a medical student traces the arch of the aorta. Which of the following structures…
Practice question from Thorax (NEET PG Preparation Anatomy), with the correct answer and a step-by-step solution.
hard · MCQ · Q-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?
- A.Left phrenic nerveCorrect answer
- B.Right vagus nerve
- C.Left recurrent laryngeal nerve
- D.Thoracic duct
Solution
The left phrenic nerve and left vagus nerve both cross the left side of the aortic arch, but the left phrenic nerve crosses anteriorly to the vagus nerve (running superficial to it). Specifically, from anterior to posterior on the left side of the arch, one encounters: left phrenic nerve, superior intercostal vein, left vagus nerve, and left superior intercostal artery.
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