Posterior Mediastinum - LO 1

1. What are the boundaries and contents of the posterior mediastinum?

The posterior mediastinum is the posterior portion of the 'inferior mediastinum.'

The posterior mediastinum is the area:

• Inferior to the plane of the sternal angle & T4/5 IV disc,

• Superior to the diaphragm (at T8-T12 levels),

• Posterior to the pericardium,

• Anterior to the vertebral column, &

• Medial to the pleurae.

Posterior Mediastinum Contents:

The major contents of the posterior mediastinum typically include:

Nerves:

• • Vagus nn. (CN X)

    • • Esophageal plexus

      • Anterior vagal trunk

      • Posterior vagal trunk

  • Sympathetic trunks (thoracic) & ganglia

    • • Greater splanchnic nn.

      • Lesser splanchnic nn.

      • Least splanchnic nn.

Arteries:

• • Thoracic aorta

    • • Parietal brs.

        • Posterior intercostal aa. (3-11)

        • Subcostal aa.

      • Visceral brs.

        • Bronchial aa.

        • Mediastinal aa.

        • Esophageal aa.

        • Pericardial aa.

        • Superior phrenic aa.

Veins:

• • Azygos v.

    • • Hemi-azygos v.

      • Accessory hemi-azygos v.

Viscera:

• • Esophagus

Misc.:

• • Thoracic duct