Pronunciation: [mˈiːdiːəstˌiːn] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of "Mediastine" is actually "Mediastinum". The word refers to the area of the thorax between the lungs. It is pronounced as (mee-dee-uh-stahy-nuhm) in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The spelling of this word can be tricky due to its root word "medias", which means "middle". It is important to ensure the correct spelling of medical terms to avoid confusion and miscommunication.
The mediastinum is a central compartment in the thoracic cavity, located between the two pleural cavities and extending from the sternum in the front to the vertebral column at the back. It is bordered by the lungs on each side and the diaphragm at the bottom, while the superior mediastinum is demarcated by the superior thoracic aperture.
This region houses various vital structures, including the heart, major blood vessels, thymus gland, trachea, esophagus, nerves, lymph nodes, and connective tissues. These structures play crucial roles in supporting various bodily functions such as circulation, breathing, immune response, and neural communication.
The mediastinum comprises two main subdivisions: superior mediastinum and inferior mediastinum. The superior mediastinum is positioned superiorly to the sternal angle and contains important structures like the thymus gland, great vessels, trachea, esophagus, and the phrenic nerves. The inferior mediastinum, on the other hand, is further divided into three compartments: anterior, middle, and posterior. The anterior compartment includes the connective tissue, lymph nodes, and fat; the middle houses the heart and the roots of the great vessels; while the posterior compartment contains the esophagus, descending thoracic aorta, azygos vein, and thoracic duct.
Understanding the mediastinum and its subdivisions is paramount for medical professionals in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the structures in this region. Various imaging techniques are employed to visualize the mediastinum accurately and identify any abnormalities or pathologies that may require medical intervention.
A membraneous partition which divides the cavity of the chest into two parts, separating the two lungs from each other; a continuation of the pleura.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The term "Mediastinum" is derived from the Latin word "mediastinus", which means "middle" or "central". It refers to the area within the thoracic cavity that lies between the right and left pleural sacs, which house the lungs. The word was first used in anatomy to denote this central region of the chest in the early 18th century.
