Superior mediastinum

The superior mediastinum is that portion of the interpleural space which lies between the manubrium sterni in front, and the upper thoracic vertebrae behind.

Boundaries

It is bounded:

• superiorly by the thoracic inlet, the upper opening of the thorax
• inferiorly by the transverse thoracic plane, a slightly oblique plane passing posteriorly from the junction of the manubrium and body of the sternum (sternal angle of Louis) to the junction of the 4th and 5th thoracic vertebra (see also thoracic plane)
• laterally by the pleurae
• anteriorly by the manubrium of the sternum
• posteriorly by the first four vertebral bodies

Contents

• muscles
• origins of the Sternohyoidei and Sternothyreoidei
• lower ends of the Longi colli
• arteries
• aortic arch
• brachiocephalic artery
• thoracic......
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