Surgical Anatomy of the Mediastinum

Abstract

The mediastinum is the area within the chest between the left and right pleural cavities extending from the thoracic inlet superiorly to the diaphragm inferiorly. It is essential for the thoracic surgeon to have an understanding of mediastinal anatomy as it will enable one to establish a differential diagnosis of mediastinal pathology as well as select the optimal surgical approach to access the mediastinum. This chapter will focus on the different divisions of the mediastinum, the thymus gland, the nerves of the mediastinum and great vessel anatomy.