Posterior mediastinum (anatomy)
The posterior mediastinum is the region bounded by:
- anteriorly:
- and superiorly: the fibrous pericardium
- and inferiorly: the posteroinferior surface of the diaphragm
- posteriorly: the fifth to 12th thoracic vertebrae
- superiorly: an arbitrary plane passing horizontally and posteriorly from the manubriosternal joint to the inferior border of the T4 vertebra
- inferiorly: the sloping fibres of the diaphragm
- laterally: posterior mediastinal surface of diaphragm
The key structures within the posterior mediastinum are the:
- descending part of thoracic aorta
- oesophagus
- azygous system of veins
- thoracic duct
- thoracic sympathetic trunk
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