General Anatomy · Respiratory System · Medium

Mediastinum

Meaning: Central compartment of the thorax between the lungs, containing the heart and great vessels.

In practice: On a well-exposed PA chest film, thoracic disc spaces are faintly visible through it.

Quick check

Two questions on related general anatomy words.

Which word means: The chest region enclosed by the ribcage, sternum and thoracic vertebrae.

Which word means: An organ that produces and releases substances like hormones.

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.