The document provides a detailed overview of the mediastinum, a central compartment of the thoracic cavity, including its divisions (superior and inferior) and their respective contents. It outlines the anatomical structures and relationships within the mediastinum, such as the thymus, heart, great vessels, esophagus, and lymphatic systems, as well as the nerves and veins involved. Additionally, it discusses specific anatomical boundaries and clinical significance of these contents.

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2. MEDIASTINUM

3. MEDIASTINUM Central compartment of the thoracic cavity Covered by mediastinal pleura Contents: all thoracic viscera EXCEPT lungs Extent: Superior - thoracic inlet Inferior - diaphragm Anterior - sternum & costal cartilages Posterior- bodies of thoracic vertebrae

4. MEDIASTINUM Surrounded by blood and lymphatic vessels Lymph nodes, nerves and adipose tissues Looseness of structures enable mediastinum to accommodate changes in movement, volume & pressure in the thoracic cavity

5. Divisions of the Mediastinum SUPERIOR MEDIASTINUM Superior - thoracic inlet Inferior - transverse thoracic plane Anterior - sternal angle Posterior - IV disc T4 & T5 INFERIOR MEDIASTINUM Superior – transverse thoracic plane Inferior - diaphragm

6. Divisions of the Mediastinum INFERIOR MEDIASTINUM a. ANTERIOR MEDIASTINUM - contains thymus remnant, lymph nodes & fats b. MIDDLE MEDIASTINUM - contains the heart & great vessels c. POSTERIOR MEDIASTINUM - contains esophagus, great vessels,vagus nerves & symphathetic trunks

7. Superior Mediastinum Contents: (Anterior – Posterior) 1. Thymus gland - primary lymphoid organ located behind manubrium - puberty undergoes gradual involution 2. Great Vessels Brachiocephalic Veins Superior Vena Cava - formed at level of 1 st right costal cartilage - enters right atrium at level of 3 rd right costal cartilage

10. Superior Mediastinum Contents: Arch of the Aorta - starts behind 2 nd right SC joint - ends at 2 nd left SC joint Branches: Brachiocephalic Trunk Left Common Carotid Artery Left Subclavian Artery

11. Superior Mediastinum Contents: 3. Nerves Vagus & Phrenic Nerves Cardiac Plexus of Nerves Left Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve 4. Trachea 5. Esophagus 6. Thoracic Duct 7. Prevertebral Muscles

17. Anterior Mediastinum Smallest subdivision of the Inferior Mediastinum Boundaries: Anterior : body of sternum & trans thoracis muscles Posterior : pericardium Contents: Loose CT (Sternopericardial Ligament) Adipose tissue Lymphatic Vessels & lymph nodes Branches of Internal Thoracic Vessels

18. Posterior Mediastinum Boundaries: Anterior - Pericardium & Diaphragm Posterior - T5 to T12 vertebrae Contents: Thoracic Aorta Esophagus & Plexus Thoracic Duct Thoracic Sympathetic Trunks Post Mediastinal LN Thoracic Splanchnic Nerve Azygos & Hemiazygos Veins

19. Thoracic Aorta Branches: 1. Bronchial Arteries 5. Esophageal Arteries 2. Pericardial Arteries 6. Mediastinal Arteries 3. Post. Intercostal Arteries 7. Subcostal Arteries 4. Superior Phrenic Arteries

20. Esophagus Course: Superior to Posterior Mediastinum Located behind: Arch of Aorta Pericardium & Left Atrium Enters Esophageal Hiatus of the Diaphragm at level of T10 Anatomic Impressions or “Constrictions”: 1. Crossing with Aortic Arch 2. Crossing with Left Main Bronchus 3. Diaphragmatic Hiatus

21. Thoracic Duct Largest lymphatic channel in the body Originates from Cisterna Chyle in the abdomen & passes thru aortic hiatus of diaphragm at level of T12 Relations: Posterior : bodies of inferior 7 thoracic vertebrae Anterior : Esophagus Left : Thoracic Aorta Right : Azygos Vein Conveys lymph from: Lower extremities Left side of thorax Pelvic Cavity Left side of H & N Abdominal Cavity Left upper limb

22. Lymph Nodes of the Posterior Mediastinum Posterior Mediastinal Lymph Nodes - receives lymph from esophagus, posterior aspect of the pericardium & diaphragm & middle posterior ICS

23. Azygos Venous System of the Posterior Mediastinum Drains the back & thoracoabdominal walls and the mediastinal viscera Azygos Vein - forms a collateral pathway b/w SVC & IVC - passes to the right side of inferior 8 thoracic vertebrae - arches over the root of the right lung to enter the SVC - receives posterior intercostal veins, mediastinal, esophageal & bronchial veins

24. Azygos Venous System of Posterior Mediastinum Hemiazygos Vein - arises on left side of the vertebral column to level of T9 - receives the inferior 3 PIV, inferior esophageal veins, small mediastinal veins Accessory Hemiazygos Vein - starts at medial end of 4 th or 5 th ICS - descends on left of VC from T5 thru T8 - crosses to the right to join the Azygos Vein - receives 4 th thru 8 th IC Veins - communicates with Superior IC Vein which drains 1 st thru 3 rd ICS

25. Nerves of Posterior Mediastinum Thoracic Sympathetic Trunks - lie against heads of ribs in superior thorax costovertebral joints in midthorax sides of vertebral bodies in lower thorax Lower Thoracic Splanchnic Nerves (Greater, Lesser and Least SN) - presynaptic fibers from 5 th thru 12 th sympathetic ganglia - sympathetic innervation for most abdominal viscera

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