Contents
Structures that pass through the superior thoracic aperture include:
- trachea
- oesophagus
- thoracic duct
- apexes of the lungs
- nerves
- phrenic nerve
- vagus nerve
- Recurrent laryngeal nerves
- sympathetic trunks
- vessels
- arteries
- left and right common carotid arteries
- left and right subclavian arteries
- veins
- internal jugular veins
- brachiocephalic veins
- subclavian veins
- arteries
- lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels
This is not an exhaustive list. There are several other minor but important vessels and nerves passing through, and an abnormally large thyroid gland may extend inferiorly through the thoracic inlet into the superior mediastinum.
The oesophagus lies against the body of the T1 vertebra, separated from it by the prevertebral fascia, and the trachea lies in front of the oesophagus, in the midline, and may touch the manubrium. The apices of the lungs lie to either side of the oesophagus and trachea, and is separated from them by the other vessels and nerves listed above. Furthermore, they extend slightly superior past the level of the inlet (e.g. the horizontal plane of the first rib).
Read more about this topic: Superior Thoracic Aperture
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