MEDIASTINUM Meaning and
Definition
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The mediastinum is a term used in anatomy to describe the central region of the thoracic cavity, which is the space between the two lungs. It extends from the sternum (breastbone) in front to the vertebral column (backbone) behind, and from the first rib to the diaphragm below. This anatomical region is essential for housing and protecting vital structures within the chest.
The mediastinum can be further divided into different compartments based on their relative positions within this space. The anterior mediastinum is situated in front and contains various structures such as lymph nodes, fat, and connective tissue. The middle mediastinum is centrally located and houses the heart, the great vessels (including the aorta), the thymus gland, and important nerves. The posterior mediastinum is positioned towards the back and contains the esophagus (food pipe), the thoracic aorta, the azygos vein, the vagus nerves, and lymph nodes.
Its crucial location allows the mediastinum to serve as a conduit for transporting structures and providing structural and functional support to organs within the chest. Furthermore, it is essential for maintaining circulation, facilitating breathing, and ensuring proper functioning of the cardiac and respiratory systems. In case of trauma or diseases affecting the mediastinum, various symptoms and complications may arise, making a thorough understanding of its anatomy imperative for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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1. A septum between two parts of an organ or a cavity. 2. The median dividing wall of the thoracic cavity, covered by the mediastinal pleura and containing all the thoracic viscera and structures except the lungs. It is divided arbitrarily into four parts: the superior m. is that part lying above the pericardium; it contains the arch of the aorta and the vessels arising from it, the innominate veins, and upper portion of the superior vena cava, the trachea, the esophagus, the thoracic duct, the thymus, and the phrenic, pneumogastric, cardiac, and left recurrent laryngeal nerves. The middle m. contains the pericardium and its contents and the phrenic nerves and accompanying vessels. The anterior m. is the narrow space between the pericardium and the sternum containing some lymphatic glands and vessels and branches of the internal mammary artery. The posterior m. lies between the pericardium and the vertebral column, below the level of the fourth thoracic vertebra; it contains the descending aorta, thoracic duct, esophagus, azygos veins, and pneumogastric nerves.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A membraneous partition which divides the cavity of the chest into two parts, separating the two lungs from each other; a continuation of the pleura.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MEDIASTINUM
- nediastinum
- kediastinum
- jediastinum
- mwdiastinum
- msdiastinum
- mddiastinum
- mrdiastinum
- m4diastinum
- m3diastinum
- mesiastinum
- mexiastinum
- meciastinum
- mefiastinum
- meriastinum
- meeiastinum
- meduastinum
- medjastinum
- medkastinum
- medoastinum
- mediastinium
- medistinum
- mediasinum
- mediastinem
- meddiestinum
Etymology of MEDIASTINUM
The word "mediastinum" comes from the Latin term "mediastinus", which means "middle" or "midway". It is derived from the Latin word "medius" which means "middle". The suffix "stinum" in Latin refers to a partition or a space. Hence, "mediastinum" refers to the middle partition or space in the thoracic cavity.
Similar spelling words for MEDIASTINUM
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