Anterior mediastinum Flashcards
what is the mediastinum?
the central compartment of the thoracic cavity
where is the mediastinum located?
between the two pleural sacs
what does the mediastinum contain?
most of the thoracic organs
what does the mediastinum act as?
a conduit for structures traversing the thorax on their way into the abdomen
how is the mediastinum divided anatomically?
the mediastinum is divided into two parts by an imaginary line that runs from the sternal angle to the T4 vertebrae
what is the sternal angle?
the angle formed by the junction of the sternal body and manubrium
where does the superior mediastinum extend and where does it terminate?
extends upwards, terminating at the superior thoracic aperture
where does the inferior mediastinum extend and where does it terminate?
extends downwards, terminating at the diaphragm
what is the inferior mediastinum further subdivided into?
the anterior mediastinum, middle mediastinum and posterior mediastinum
what is the lateral border of the anterior mediastinum?
Mediastinal pleura
what is the mediastinal pleura?
part of the parietal pleural membrane
what is the anterior border of the anterior mediastinum?
Body of the sternum and the transversus thoracis muscles
what is the posterior border of the anterior mediastinum?
Pericardium
what is the roof of the anterior mediastinum?
Continuous with the superior mediastinum at the level of the sternal angle
what is the floor of the anterior mediastinum?
Diaphragm
what does the anterior mediastinum contain?
no major structures. It accommodates loose connective tissue, fat, some lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes and branches of the internal thoracic vessels
what kind of loose CT is included in the anterior mediastinum?
the sternopericardial ligaments, which tether the pericardium to the sternum
what does the sternopericardial ligament tether?
pericardium to the sternum
where does the thymus extend in infants and children?
the thymus extends inferiorly into the anterior mediastinum
what happens to the thymus in puberty?
the thymus recedes during puberty and is no longer present in adulthood
