Learning Objectives for
Dissection of the Respiratory
System and Posterior Mediastinum
Understand the relationships of the lungs in situ before removing them.
Basic concepts:
You may wish to review
the basic concepts for the thorax at this time. The link opens a new window which you will need to close
to return to this page.
Specific Learning Objectives:
- List each of the components of the respiratory system beginning with the nasal cavity.
- Describe the anatomical relationship of the lobes of the lungs and their surface
projections.
- Discuss the pulmonary circulation and the segmental distribution of the arteries
and veins.
- Compare and contrast the muscles involved in quiet respiration and forced
inhalation
- Describe the lymphatic drainage of the thorax.
- Recall the distribution of the sympathetic systems.
- Identify anatomic structures in radiographic studies including X-ray, CT scans and
MRI films.
Difficult parts of the dissection:
- The only difficult part of this dissection is the removal of the parietal pleura
from the posterior wall to expose the sympathetic chain and intercostal nerves, arteries
and veins.
