Anaes SAQs · Applied anatomy
Thorax, mediastinum and heart anatomy
Primary — thoracic cage (12 vertebrae, 12 ribs, sternum; sternal angle at T4-T5); intercostal bundle VAN in costal groove, needle above rib below; mediastinum divisions (superior; anterior thymus, middle heart/pericardium, posterior aorta/oesophagus/thoracic duct/vagus); coronary arteries (RCA inferior wall + AV node 90 percent, LAD anterior wall/septum = widow-maker, circumflex lateral); coronary dominance = posterior descending artery (RCA 85 percent); SA + AV nodes supplied by RCA → inferior MI bradycardia/AV block; thoracic duct to left venous angle crossing at T4-T5.
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Question
Outline the divisions of the mediastinum and their contents. Describe the coronary artery supply of the heart, and explain why an inferior myocardial infarction commonly causes bradycardia and atrioventricular block.
References5ShowHide
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- [4]Soto Diaz FP, et al. Right coronary artery-to-left anterior descending anastomosis. Cureus, 2026.PMID 42326121
- [6]Yang MW, et al. Noninferiority of Ultrasound-Guided Modified Intercostal Block to Traditional Approach for Analgesia After Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum in Children: A Randomized Trial. Pain Res Manag, 2026.PMID 41830195
- [42362339]Bersten AD, Soni N (eds) Oh's Intensive Care Manual. 8th edition, Elsevier, 2018.