Vital organs of the human body are found in different cavities. The mediastinum is one such cavity, which is located between the lungs. It is a vital region of the body that houses several essential organs, nerves, and blood vessels.
So, what is in the mediastinum? This article will provide an in-depth exploration of the various vital organs that lie in the mediastinum.
The Anatomy of the Mediastinum:
The mediastinum is situated in the chest area between the two pleural cavities, which are lined with the pleura. It extends from the sternum to the vertebral column and from the thoracic inlet to the diaphragm.
When it comes to anatomy, the mediastinum region can be divided into three compartments based on their location – anterior, middle, and posterior mediastinum. Each of these compartments contains different organs and tissues that serve different purposes in the human body.
Anterior Mediastinum:
The anterior mediastinum is located between the sternum and the pericardium – the sac that covers the heart. This compartment mainly contains lymph nodes, adipose tissue (fat), and a few nerves.
Middle Mediastinum:
The middle mediastinum is located behind the sternum and in front of the heart. This compartment contains several vital organs, such as the heart, thymus gland, and pericardium. It also contains the ascending and descending aorta, which supplies blood to different parts of the body. Furthermore, it contains the superior and inferior vena cava, which drains blood from the upper and lower parts of the body, respectively.
Posterior Mediastinum:
The posterior mediastinum is located between the pericardium and the vertebral column, and it extends from the lower border of the fourth thoracic vertebra to the diaphragm. This compartment contains numerous vital organs, such as the esophagus, azygos vein, thoracic duct, sympathetic chain, and aorta.
Vital organs in the Mediastinum:
The Heart:
The heart is one of the vital organs located in the middle mediastinum. The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body. It is divided into four chambers – the right atrium, the right ventricle, the left atrium, and the left ventricle. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body and sends it to the right ventricle, which pumps it to the lungs for oxygenation. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and sends it to the left ventricle, which pumps it to the rest of the body.
Thymus Gland:
The thymus gland is located in the anterior mediastinum, behind the sternum. It is a small gland that plays a vital role in the immune system. The thymus gland produces and matures T-cells, which are crucial for the immune system’s proper functioning.
Pericardium:
The pericardium is a sac-like structure that covers the heart. It has two layers – the outer fibrous pericardium and the inner serous pericardium. The serous pericardium lines the heart’s outer surface and secretes a fluid, which acts as a lubricant and reduces friction between the heart and the pericardium.
Eso phagus:
The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It runs from the posterior mediastinum through the diaphragm into the abdominal cavity. The esophagus helps in the movement of food from the mouth to the stomach.
Aorta:
The aorta is the main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It originates from the left ventricle of the heart and is located in the middle mediastinum. The aorta branches into different arteries that supply blood to different parts of the body.
Superior and Inferior Vena Cava:
The superior vena cava is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper part of the body to the right atrium of the heart. It is located in the middle mediastinum. On the other hand, the inferior vena cava is also a large vein, located in the abdomen that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower part of the body to the right atrium of the heart.
Functions of the Mediastinum:
The mediastinum performs several crucial functions that are essential for the human body’s proper functioning. Some of these functions are –
- Protection of vital organs: The mediastinum protects several vital organs, such as the heart, from different injuries and physical trauma.
- Blood circulation: The mediastinum contains several blood vessels, such as the aorta and vena cava, that help in the proper circulation of blood throughout the body.
- Immune system: The thymus gland, located in the anterior mediastinum, plays a crucial role in the immune system’s proper functioning.
- Respiratory system: The mediastinum houses the trachea and lungs, which help in breathing and overall respiratory functions.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the mediastinum is a crucial region of the body that houses several vital organs, such as the heart, thymus gland, and aorta. It performs several important functions essential for the proper functioning of the human body, such as immune system, blood circulation, and respiratory system. Any injury or damage to the mediastinum can lead to severe health complications. Thus, it is essential to take care of the mediastinum and protect it from physical trauma and injuries.
Most Common Questions:
- What organs are located in the mediastinum?
- The mediastinum contains several vital organs, such as the heart, thymus gland, aorta, esophagus, and superior and inferior vena cava.
- What are the functions of the mediastinum?
- The mediastinum performs several crucial functions that are essential for the proper functioning of the human body, such as immune system functioning, blood circulation, and respiratory system functioning.
- How can we protect the mediastinum?
- To protect the mediastinum from injuries and physical trauma, it is essential to take proper care of health, avoid risky activities such as smoking, and seek medical attention in case of any discomfort or pain in the chest area.
- What are some of the severe health complications that can arise due to mediastinum damage?
- Damage or injuries to the mediastinum can lead to several severe health complications, such as difficulty in breathing, heart attack, and lung infections.
References:
- Breastcancer.org. (2021). Mediastinum. [online] Available at: <https://www.breastcancer.org/dictionary/m/mediastinum> [Accessed 28 July 2021].
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Mediastinal Tumors. [online] Available at: <https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/mediastinal-tumors> [Accessed 28 July 2021].
- National Centre for Biotechnology Information. (n.d.). Mediastinum. [online] Available at: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482433/#:~:text=The%20mediastinum%20is%20a%20central,vessels%20in%20a%20central%20location> [Accessed 28 July 2021].