This document describes the anatomy of various arteries and veins in the thorax as seen on different slices of a CT scan, including: 1) The brachiocephalic artery, left common carotid artery, left subclavian artery, and formation of the brachiocephalic vein by the left subclavian vein and internal jugular vein at the level of T2-T3. 2) The aortic arch and origins of vessels like the brachiocephalic artery and left common carotid artery at a more superior level. 3) Various cardiac and vascular structures seen at different levels moving caudally, including the left atrium, ventricles, pulmonary veins and arteries, vena

1. Right and left Subclavian arteries

3. We are at the level of T2-T3 around the lung apices. Trachea. Esophagus.Rt.Brachiocephalic Vein Left common carotid.
Brachiocephalic artery

5. We are at the level of T3. This bright structure is the left subclavian vein joining the internal jugular vein to form the
brachiocephalic vein.. Brachiocephalic artery. Left common carotid. Left subclavian artery. Sternal head of the right
clavicle.

7. Note fat density mass deep to scapula. This is a benign lipoma as an incidental finding.
The lesion has the typical density of fat [less than soft tissue and bone but greater than lung

10. We are at the level of the superior portion of the aortic arch.
that gave rise to the aforementioned vessels. Here we see the Left Brachiocephalic Vein crossing midline and
Joining the Right Brachiocephalic Vein. Once their union is complete, this single vein is known as the
Superior Vena Cava (SVC). Note head of first rib articulating with manubrium. These small high densities in
the mostly air dense lungs are pulmonary vessels filled with IV contrast

13. At the most caudal portion of the aortic arch, we can distinguish the ascending portion of
The aorta from the descending aorta located along the left margin of the vertebral body.
This is the contrast opacified Superior Vena Cava preparing to enter the Right Atrium.

15. Internal Mammary Artery and vein.The vein is the larger medial structure

17. Just distal to the bifurcation of the trachea. The ascending and descending aorta the right and left primary bronchi. pulmonary artery.. Superior
Vena Cava

21. We are at the superior portion of the left atrium. Ascending and descending aorta. main pulmonary vein. Right and left Pulmonary Arteries. Look
closely, you can see how the pulmonary arteries tend to run with the air density (black) bronchi. The pulmonary trunk is outlined again at the
superior portion of your screen. The right atrium is beginning to be visualized. We can still appreciate the SVC in the inferior portion of the
yellow outline. Left Atrium.

22. Note bifurcation of Lt main coronary a. into Lt.Ant. Descending and circumflex arteries

24. We are at the mid portion of the left atrium. Left Atrium,. Left Ventricle. Right Atrium with a narrowing and entry to the right ventricle Pulmonary
Veins. Pulmonary Arteries. Azygous Vein.

26. Level of the mid portion of the Left Ventricle. Thoracic The left ventricle has become quite distinct at this level. Left
Atrium. Our first glimpse of the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC), page down to confirm this. Esophagus.

29. Level of the inferior margin of the heart and superior portion of the right lobe of the liver. Thoracic Aorta. Left
Ventricle. Right Ventricle. Inferior Vena Cava. Right Lobe of the Liver. Esophagus