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Nov 3, 2023 · The mediastinum is an area found in the midline of the thoracic cavity, that is surrounded by the left and right pleural sacs. It is divided into the superior and inferior mediastinum, of which the latter is larger. The inferior mediastinum is further divided into the anterior, middle and posterior mediastinum. Every compartment of the ...
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- Overview
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- Conditions and Disorders
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Your mediastinum is a space in your chest that holds your heart and other important structures. It’s the middle section of your thoracic cavity, between your left and right pleural cavities (which hold your lungs). Many conditions can affect the organs and tissues in your mediastinum, including tumors and infections.
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What is the function of the mediastinum?
Your mediastinum has several important functions, including: Serving as a “house” for your heart and the roots of your great vessels. These are the blood vessels that attach directly to your heart to carry blood into or out of your heart. Protecting your thymus, heart and other structures. Fatty tissue and connective tissue in your mediastinum provide cushioning. Your mediastinum sits behind your sternum, or “breastbone,” which provides additional protection to this important area. Providing a passageway for structures to travel between your neck and your chest, and between your chest and your belly. For this function, you can think of your mediastinum as a railroad station. It contains body structures that act as railroad tracks, transporting cargo (like food or air) where it needs to go. For example, your esophagus carries foods and liquids through your mediastinum to get from your throat to your stomach.
Where is the mediastinum located?
Your mediastinum is located in the middle of your chest between your lungs. Mediastinum means “midway” in Latin. Its boundaries are as follows: The superior (upper) border is the root (base) of your neck. The inferior (lower) border is your diaphragm. This muscle separates your thoracic cavity from your abdominal cavity. The anterior (front) border is your sternum (breastbone). The posterior (back) border is your spine. The lateral (at each side) borders are the pleural sacs that surround your left lung and right lung. Advertisement
What are the parts of the mediastinum?
Your mediastinum is divided into several parts, which researchers call compartments. There are different classification systems for organizing these compartments. The main idea to know is that your mediastinum can be divided into either three or four parts. And their names refer to their position in your chest.
What common conditions affect the mediastinum?
Many different conditions can affect the organs and tissues in your mediastinum. Some conditions begin in the mediastinum, such as primary tumors or cysts. Other times, a disease (like cancer) spreads to your mediastinum from somewhere else in your body. Infections that affect your whole body (systemic) can also impact your mediastinum. Some conditions that may affect your mediastinum include: Aortic dissection. Cardiac tamponade. Esophageal cancer. Goiter. Heart disease. Lymphoma. Mediastinal tumors. Mediastinitis (swelling or infection). Myasthenia gravis. Thoracic aortic aneurysm. These conditions have a wide range of symptoms and treatments. Talk with your provider about your condition to learn more about what you can expect.
What tests check the health of the mediastinum?
Tests your provider may use to check your mediastinum include: Chest X-ray. Computed tomography (CT) scan. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Mediastinoscopy. Ultrasound. Your provider may order testing to find the cause of symptoms you’re having. Or, you may need testing on a regular basis to monitor an issue. Talk with your provider about the testing you need, why you need it and how to prepare.
How can I keep my mediastinum healthy?
A healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk of many conditions that affect your mediastinum. Some tips include: Avoid smoking and all tobacco products. Ask your provider for resources to help you quit. Eat a heart-healthy diet. Exercise regularly. Check with your provider before starting a new exercise plan. Limit your alcohol intake. Take your medications as prescribed. Visit your provider for yearly check-ups. A note from Cleveland Clinic Your mediastinum is a space in your chest that holds your heart and other important structures. It’s the middle compartment within your thoracic cavity, nestled between your lungs. It can be easy to forget that your mediastinum is there. That’s because most people focus on what’s inside it (like your heart). But it’s helpful to learn mediastinum anatomy and the terms scientists use, especially if you or a loved one are diagnosed with a related condition. Talk with your provider if you have questions about your mediastinum or its role in your health. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/29/2022. Learn more about our editorial process.
Sep 18, 2024 · The mediastinum is located inside the thoracic cavity (the chest area) between the lungs. It is divided into four compartments: the superior, anterior, middle, and posterior. Each one houses different structures such as the heart and arteries.
Feb 20, 2023 · Your thoracic cavity is a space in your chest that contains organs, blood vessels, nerves and other important body structures. It’s divided into three main parts: right pleural cavity, left pleural cavity and mediastinum.
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, namely the heart and its vessels, the esophagus, the trachea, the vagus, phrenic and cardiac nerves, the thoracic duct, the thymus and the lymph ...
The mediastinum is a division of the thoracic cavity; it contains the heart, thymus gland, portions of the esophagus and trachea, and other structures. For clinical purposes it is traditionally divided into the anterior, middle, posterior, and superior regions.
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Jul 24, 2023 · The thoracic mediastinum is the compartment that runs the length of the thoracic cavity between the pleural sacs of the lungs. This compartment extends longitudinally from the thoracic inlet to the superior surface of the diaphragm. Although there are no physical barriers between compartments other than the pericardium, the mediastinum is typically discussed based on subdivisions. The four ...
