Mediastinum: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Mediastinum.png|thumb|Mediastinum]] | |||
[[File:Mediastinum anatomy.jpg|left|thumb|Mediastinum]] | |||
[[File:Mediastinal structures on chest X-ray, annotated.jpg|left|thumb|Mediastinum]] | |||
[[File:Gray968.png|thumb|Mediastinum]] | |||
[[File:Mediastinaladenopathy.png|thumb|Mediastinum]] | |||
The '''mediastinum''' is an undelineated group of structures in the thorax, surrounded by loose connective tissue. It is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. It contains the heart, the great vessels of the heart, esophagus, trachea, phrenic and cardiac nerves, thoracic duct, thymus, and lymph nodes of the central chest. | The '''mediastinum''' is an undelineated group of structures in the thorax, surrounded by loose connective tissue. It is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. It contains the heart, the great vessels of the heart, esophagus, trachea, phrenic and cardiac nerves, thoracic duct, thymus, and lymph nodes of the central chest. | ||
== Anatomy == | == Anatomy == | ||
The mediastinum lies within the thorax and is enclosed on the right and left by [[pleurae]]. It is surrounded by the chest wall in front, the lungs to the sides and the spine at the back. It extends from the sternum in front to the vertebral column behind, and contains all the organs of the thorax except the lungs. It can be divided into an upper and lower part: | The mediastinum lies within the thorax and is enclosed on the right and left by [[pleurae]]. It is surrounded by the chest wall in front, the lungs to the sides and the spine at the back. It extends from the sternum in front to the vertebral column behind, and contains all the organs of the thorax except the lungs. It can be divided into an upper and lower part: | ||
* The '''superior mediastinum''' starts at the superior thoracic aperture and ends at the plane from the sternal angle to the vertebra T4-T5. | * The '''superior mediastinum''' starts at the superior thoracic aperture and ends at the plane from the sternal angle to the vertebra T4-T5. | ||
* The '''inferior mediastinum''' from this plane to the diaphragm. In the inferior mediastinum, there are three divisions: the anterior, middle, and posterior mediastinum. | * The '''inferior mediastinum''' from this plane to the diaphragm. In the inferior mediastinum, there are three divisions: the anterior, middle, and posterior mediastinum. | ||
== Clinical significance == | == Clinical significance == | ||
Diseases of the mediastinum are uncommon but can be serious. They include [[mediastinitis]], mediastinal tumors, and abnormalities of the structures contained in the mediastinum. | Diseases of the mediastinum are uncommon but can be serious. They include [[mediastinitis]], mediastinal tumors, and abnormalities of the structures contained in the mediastinum. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Thorax]] | * [[Thorax]] | ||
* [[Mediastinal tumor]] | * [[Mediastinal tumor]] | ||
* [[Mediastinitis]] | * [[Mediastinitis]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
* [http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec04/ch046/ch046b.html Merck Manual - Mediastinum] | * [http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec04/ch046/ch046b.html Merck Manual - Mediastinum] | ||
[[Category:Thorax]] | [[Category:Thorax]] | ||
[[Category:Mediastinum]] | [[Category:Mediastinum]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 04:26, 14 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
The mediastinum is an undelineated group of structures in the thorax, surrounded by loose connective tissue. It is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. It contains the heart, the great vessels of the heart, esophagus, trachea, phrenic and cardiac nerves, thoracic duct, thymus, and lymph nodes of the central chest.
Anatomy[edit]
The mediastinum lies within the thorax and is enclosed on the right and left by pleurae. It is surrounded by the chest wall in front, the lungs to the sides and the spine at the back. It extends from the sternum in front to the vertebral column behind, and contains all the organs of the thorax except the lungs. It can be divided into an upper and lower part:
- The superior mediastinum starts at the superior thoracic aperture and ends at the plane from the sternal angle to the vertebra T4-T5.
- The inferior mediastinum from this plane to the diaphragm. In the inferior mediastinum, there are three divisions: the anterior, middle, and posterior mediastinum.
Clinical significance[edit]
Diseases of the mediastinum are uncommon but can be serious. They include mediastinitis, mediastinal tumors, and abnormalities of the structures contained in the mediastinum.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
<references />
External links[edit]
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