The correct spelling of the term "cavum mediastinale" is quite challenging. It consists of two Latin terms: "cavum" which means "a hollow or empty space," and "mediastinale" which refers to the middle of the thorax. The phonetic transcription of this term is /ˈkɑːvəm ˌmiːdɪəsˈtaɪnəli/. It is important to note that the "v" in "cavum" is pronounced as "w," and the stress falls on the second syllable of "mediastinale." It is crucial to spell this medical term accurately to ensure effective communication among healthcare professionals.
Cavum mediastinale, also known as the mediastinal cavity, refers to a specific anatomical space within the thoracic (chest) cavity. It is located centrally in the chest, between the right and left pleural cavities, and is bordered anteriorly by the sternum and posteriorly by the thoracic vertebrae. The mediastinum can be further divided into superior and inferior portions.
The superior mediastinum is located above the level of the thoracic plane, which is an imaginary line extending from the sternal angle to the intervertebral disc between the fourth and fifth thoracic vertebrae. It contains important structures such as the thymus gland, aorta, brachiocephalic veins, superior vena cava, trachea, esophagus, and phrenic and vagus nerves.
The inferior mediastinum is located below the thoracic plane and can be divided into three subdivisions: anterior, middle, and posterior mediastinum. The anterior mediastinum houses structures such as fat, lymph nodes, and remnants of the thymus gland. The middle mediastinum contains the heart, pericardium, and main bronchi. The posterior mediastinum contains structures such as the esophagus, descending thoracic aorta, thoracic duct, azygos vein, and vagus nerves.
The cavum mediastinale plays a crucial role in housing and protecting many vital structures of the chest, ensuring the proper functioning of the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and other thoracic organs. Understanding its divisions and the structures it contains is essential for accurate anatomical identification and clinical evaluation of various thoracic diseases and conditions.
Mediastinum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term cavum mediastinale is derived from Latin. The word cavum means cavity or hollow space, and mediastinale refers to the mediastinum, which is the region between the lungs in the thoracic cavity. Therefore, cavum mediastinale can be translated as mediastinal cavity or cavity of the mediastinum.