What is the mediastinum?
The mediastinum is a connective tissue space running vertically in the thorax and is also called the mediastinal space in German. This space contains the heart with the pericardium, the part of the esophagus that lies above the diaphragm, the lower part of the trachea with its division into the main bronchi, the thymus gland as well as vessels, nerves and lymph nodes.
What is the function of the mediastinum?
The mediastinum is considered the most important traffic artery for conduction pathways between the head and neck on the one hand and the thorax and/or abdominal cavity on the other. This includes, for example, the trachea and esophagus as well as important nerves and vessels.
Where is the mediastinum located?
The mediastinal space is located in the chest. It is bounded laterally by the lungs, above by the neck and below by the diaphragm. The anterior boundary is formed by the breastbone (sternum), and the posterior boundary is formed by the thoracic spine.
Physicians divide the mediastinal cavity into several sections:
- Lower mediastinum (inferior muscle): begins at the upper border of the heart and is divided into anterior, middle, and posterior sections; the heart lies in the middle section.
What problems can occur in the mediastinum?
Emphysema, an accumulation of air, can occur in the mediastinum, which is possible after lung injuries, for example. Tumors of the thymus or thyroid, connective tissue tumors or cysts constrict the mediastinal space by their size and can cause breathing problems. Benign thyroid enlargements also constrict the mediastinal space.
Inflammations from other areas (lung tissue, liver or stomach, but also originating from the pharynx) may lead to disseminated inflammations in the connective tissue of the mediastinum.
