What impressions can we find on the mediastinal surface of the right lung:
The groove of the azygos vein arch
The groove for the subclavian artery
Cardiac impression
The groove of the oesophagus
The groove for superior vena cava
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer:
- The groove of the azygos vein arch ✅
- The groove for the subclavian artery ❌
- Cardiac impression ✅
- The groove of the oesophagus ✅
- The groove for the superior vena cava ✅
Explanation:
The mediastinal surface of the right lung faces the mediastinum and contains several important impressions due to its contact with thoracic structures.
- Groove for the azygos vein arch ✅
- The azygos vein arches over the right lung’s root before draining into the superior vena cava (SVC).
- This leaves a distinct groove on the mediastinal surface of the right lung.
- Groove for the subclavian artery ❌
- The subclavian artery runs more superiorly, arching over the pleura at the apex of the lung rather than forming a groove on the mediastinal surface.
- However, the right subclavian vein may leave an impression on the lung near the lung root.
- Cardiac impression ✅
- The right atrium of the heart sits against the right lung, forming a shallow cardiac impression.
- This is not as deep as the left lung’s cardiac impression (due to the left ventricle’s larger size).
- Groove for the oesophagus ✅
- The oesophagus descends posterior to the right lung, forming a vertical groove along the mediastinal surface.
- It is more pronounced in individuals with a distended oesophagus (e.g., after swallowing).
- Groove for the superior vena cava (SVC) ✅
- The superior vena cava lies adjacent to the upper mediastinal surface of the right lung, creating a vertical groove.
- It is located anterior to the lung root and continues down to the right atrium.
These impressions reflect the close anatomical relationship between the right lung and mediastinal structures, helping clinicians understand radiographic imaging and surgical approaches.