Mediastinum

Superior mediastinum

Boarders

First rib (superior)

T4 (inferior)

Content

Thymus

Trachea

Oesophagus

Thoracic duct

Aortic arch

Veins

Superior vena cava

Brachiocephalic

Left superior intercostal

Nerves

Vagus

Phrenic

Left recurrent laryngeal

Lymphatics

Other small arteries and vein

Mnemonic - Try To Eat Toast And Vitamins Now Little Oliver

Posterior inferior mediastinum

Boarders

T4(superior)

T12 (inferior)

Spine (posterior)

Posterior aspect of pericardium (anterior)

Content

Descending thoracic aorta

Azygos veins, hemiazygos veins, accessory hemiazygos veins

Thoracic duct

Cisterna chyli

Oesophagus, oesophageal plexus

Vagus nerve

Greater, lesser and least Splanchnic nerves

Lymphatics

Mnemonic - on the DATE Vivian Slapped Larry

Middle inferior mediastinum

Boarders

T4 (superior)

T9 (inferior)

Anterior aspect of pericardium (anterior)

Posterior aspect of pericardium (posterior)

Content

Phrenic nerve

Heart

Pericardium

Ascending aorta

Pulmonary trunk

Superior vena cava

Pericardiacophrenic artery

Anterior inferior mediastinum

Boarders

T4 (superior)

T9 (inferior)

Sternum (anterior)

Pericardium (posterior)

Content

Remnants of the thymus

Lymph nodes