What are the main divisions of the mediastinum?

The mediastinum is divided by a transverse thoracic plane into two main parts: the superior mediastinum and the inferior mediastinum. The inferior mediastinum is further subdivided into the anterior, middle, and posterior mediastinum.

What structures are found in the superior mediastinum?

The superior mediastinum contains major thoracic structures, including arteries like the arch of aorta, veins like the brachiocephalic veins, nerves such as the phrenic and vagus, tubes like the trachea and esophagus, and lymphatics including the thymus and thoracic duct.

What is contained in the middle mediastinum?

The middle mediastinum primarily houses the heart and pericardium, along with associated vessels like the ascending aorta, pulmonary trunk, and pulmonary veins. It also includes the phrenic nerves and tracheal bifurcation.

What are the boundaries of the mediastinum?

The mediastinum is bounded anteriorly by the sternum, posteriorly by the vertebral column, superiorly by the superior thoracic aperture, inferiorly by the diaphragm, and laterally by the mediastinal pleura.

What clinical conditions are associated with the mediastinum?

Key clinical conditions include mediastinal syndrome with compression symptoms, mediastinitis from infections, mediastinal shift from lung issues, and widening of the mediastinum in trauma or diseases like lymphoma.

How is the inferior mediastinum subdivided?

The inferior mediastinum is subdivided into three parts: the anterior mediastinum containing loose tissue and lymph nodes, the middle mediastinum with the heart and major vessels, and the posterior mediastinum housing the esophagus, thoracic duct, and descending aorta.

What structures are located in the posterior mediastinum?

The posterior mediastinum contains the esophagus, thoracic duct, descending thoracic aorta, azygos vein system, vagus nerves, and sympathetic trunks.

Mediastinum Divisions – Superior, Anterior, Middle, Posterior

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