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Corpus: Mediastinum

Synonym: interpleural space

1. Definition

The mediastinum is the central space in the chest cavity, located between the lungs and extending from the upper opening of the thorax (thoracic inlet) to the diaphragm.

2. Anatomy

The mediastinum is bordered at the front by the sternum and at the back by the spinal column. Its lateral borders are formed by the pleura. The upper boundary is the thoracic inlet, while the lower boundary is the diaphragm.

The mediastinum contains all the organs within the thoracic cavity, except for the lungs.

3. Classification

Anatomically, the mediastinum is divided into the

  • upper mediastinum (mediastinum superius) and the
  • inferior mediastinum (mediastinum inferius).

The dividing line between the two is the upper border of the pericardium. The lower mediastinum is further subdivided into:

  • anterior mediastinum: between the sternum and pericardium
  • middle mediastinum: pericardium with its contents
  • posterior mediastinum: between pericardium and spine

4. Upper mediastinum

The upper mediastinum contains the origins of some neck muscles in its superficial layer.

In the deeper layers, it contains:

5. Lower mediastinum

5.1. Anterior mediastinum

The small anterior mediastinum exists only on the left side, where the pleura is displaced laterally by the heart. It contains some small branches of the internal mammary artery and prepericardial lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels.

5.2. Middle mediastinum

The middle mediastinum contains the structures surrounded by the pericardium, i.e.

5.3. Posterior mediastinum

The posterior mediastinum extends down to the diaphragm. It contains:

6. Clinical significance

Diseases of the mediastinum include mediastinal tumors such as thymomas or lymphomas. Mediastinal shift can occur due to space-occupying masses in the thorax or pneumothorax.

The mediastinum can be visualised with a mediastinoscopy for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

7. Sources

  • 3D model: Dr Claudia Krebs (Faculty Lead) University of British Columbia
Stichworte: Corpus

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Dr. rer. nat. Fabienne Reh
DocCheck Team
Miriam Dodegge
DocCheck Team
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Letzter Edit:
24.12.2024, 10:47
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Nutzung: BY-NC-SA
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