Mediastinum

Question 1

What is the mediastinum?

Answer 1

The space between the right and left pleural walls of the lungs

Question 2

What are the four divisions of the mediastinum?

Answer 2

-superior mediastinum (above heart)
-anterior portion of inferior mediastinum (in front of heart)
-middle portion of inferior mediastinum (heart)
-posterior portion of inferior mediastinum (behind heart)

Question 3

What border divides the superior and inferior mediastinum?

Answer 3

Level (horizontal line) between T4/T5 disc and the sternal angle

Question 4

Where is the superior mediastinum? What are its contents?

Answer 4

-thoracic cavity region superior to pericardium
Contains:
-thymus in children (remnants in adults)
-arch of aorta/great vessels
-trachea
-esophagus

Question 5

Where is the anterior mediastinum? What are its contents?

Answer 5

-thoracic cavity region anterior to (in front of) the pericardium
Contains:
-internal thoracic vessels
-fat
-few lymph nodes

Question 6

Where is the middle mediastinum? What does it contain?

Answer 6

-thoracic cavity region within the pericardium (heart!)
Contains:
-pericardium
-heart
-roots of great vessels

Question 7

Where is the posterior mediastinum? WHat does it contain?

Answer 7

-thoracic cavity region posterior to the pericardium
Contains:
-esophagus*
-descending thoracic aorta*
-thoracic ducts
-lymph nodes

*running down to abdomen