3.12.

3.13.b nope a

a. The oblique sinus is a space posterior to the heart and lies

between the left atrium and fibrous pericardium. It has the
oesophagus posteriorly. It is limited superiorly by a double layer
of serous pericardium, separating it from the transverse sinus

3.14.d nope b The motor fibres of the phrenic nerve pass through the
diaphragm before entering the muscle from below.
Explanations
a. The phrenic nerve is closely related to the mediastinal
pleura, which it innervates. It also gives sensory innervation
to the fibrous pericardium, the parietal layer of serous peri-
cardium, the central diaphragmatic pleura and diaphrag-
matic peritoneum.
c. The phrenic nerves pass anterior to the root of the lung on
both sides.
d. The right phrenic nerve has venous structures on its medial
side throughout its course. It is related to the right brachio-
cephalic vein, the superior vena cava, the right atrium and
the inferior vena cava from above downwards.
e. The left phrenic nerve has arterial structures on its medial
side. It is related to the left common carotid and left subclavian
arteries, then to the arch of the aorta and left ventricle

3.15.c not d

THORAX: ANSWERS
67
3.15
d. The base of the heart is its posterior surface, which is
related to the pericardium and posterior mediastinum.
Explanations
a. This is correct.
b. A proportion of all the heart chambers can be seen from
an anterior view. The auricle of the left atrium, represent-
ing the remnant of the primitive atrium, can be seen above
the left ventricle.
c. The inferior surface of the heart is related to the central
tendon of the diaphragm and is made up of the left and
right ventricles, and the right atrium receiving the inferior
vena cava.
e. The pulmonary trunk arises anterior to the aorta, which
then arches over i

3.16.b
3.17d not c