The mediastinum is the thoracic area between the 2 pleural cavities. The mediastinum contains vital structures of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems including the heart and esophagus, and major thoracic vessels including the superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, pulmonary arteries, pulmonary veins, and aorta. The mediastinum extends from the upper thoracic aperture to the diaphragm and is bordered by the lungs. Learn about the mediastinum , a visceral compartment of the thoracic cavity that contains the heart, esophagus, trachea, and other vital structures. Explore its division into superior and inferior mediastinum , and its clinical relations and lymphatics. The mediastinum (from Medieval Latin: mediastinus, lit. 'midway'; [2]pl.: mediastina) is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. Surrounded by loose connective tissue, it is a region that contains vital organs and structures within the thorax, mainly the heart and its vessels, the esophagus, the trachea, the vagus, phrenic and cardiac nerves, the thoracic duct, the thymus and the lymph nodes of the central chest. The mediastinum is the space between the right and left lungs in the chest. The mediastinum is in the middle of the chest extending from the spine to the front of the chest and the breast bone (sternum). We can see the mediastinum on all imaging studies which cover the chest. What structures does the mediastinum contain? The mediastinum contains the heart and great vessels that arise from it. The esophagus which goes from the throat to the stomach. The trachea or windpipe. The mediastinum ...
