MEDIASTINUM

Introduction
The mediastinum is a space between the two pleura cavities or between the two lungs. It contains
the structures within the thorax except the lungs.

Diagram of the Mediastinum

Divisions of the Mediastinum

The mediastinum is divided by the plane of the sterna angle into:
Superior Mediastinum above and inferior mediastinum below. Note; the inferior mediastinum is
divided by the heart into three (3) parts;
a. Anterior mediastinum
b. Middle mediastinum containing the heart and the great vessels
c. Posterior mediastinum located behind the heart
 Superior Mediastinum
The superior mediastinum is bounded anteriorly by the manubruim of the sternum.
Posteriorly by the T1-T4
Superiorly by the Thoracic Inlet
Inferiorly by the level of the sterna angle

Contents of the Superior Mediastinum

The superior mediastinum contains many structures like; the arch of aorta,
brachiocephalic artery, left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery, upper part
of superior vena cava (svc), left superior intercostals vein, right brachiocephalic vein,
phrenic nerves and vagus nerves.
It also contains viscera like; Trachea, oesophagus, and upper part of the thymus gland.

Inferior Mediastinum
This is the mediastinum below the sterna angle. It is divided by the heart into three parts;
anterior mediastinum, middle mediastinum and the posterior medaistinum.
Anterior Mediastinum
This is the mediastinum between the heart and the body of the sternum
Contents
Lower part of the thymus gland
Upper and lower sternopericardial ligaments
Middle Mediastinum
It contains the heart and pericardium
Contents
The ascending aorta
Pulmonary trunk
Lower part of the SVC, IVC and pulmonary veins
Phrenic nerves
Bronchopulmonary lymph nodes
Posterior Mediastinum
This is the medastinum behind the heart. It is bounded superiorly by the line of the sternal
angle, inferiorly by the diaphragm, anteriorly by the heart and pericardium and posterioly
by the lower 8 thoracic vertebrae.
Contents
Esophagus
Descending thoracic aorta
Azygous veins
Hemiazygous vein
Thoracic duct
Mediastinal lymph nodes

THANK YOU @ G.O. Okoro