The mediastinum is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity found between the two lungs and their pleura. It houses many important structures such as the heart and great vessels, trachea, esophagus, vessels, and nerves.

Figure 1. The mediastinum.

Description

The mediastinum is found in the midline, and it essentially is the part of the thorax that is not occupied by the lungs and their pleura.

It extends from the thoracic inlet to the diaphragm, and from the sternum and costal ribs to the

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