Final answer:
The mediastinum is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity, housing essential structures such as the heart, aorta, venae cavae, esophagus, and trachea; it's divided into superior and inferior parts and contains the pericardial cavity and pericardium.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term mediastinum refers to the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. It is surrounded by the pleural cavities of the lungs and is bordered anteriorly by the sternum and posteriorly by the vertebral column. This region is crucial as it contains vital structures such as the heart, aorta, venae cavae, esophagus, and trachea.
The mediastinum is divided into the superior and inferior parts, with the superior part bordered above by the thoracic inlet and below by the horizontal plane separating it from the inferior mediastinum. The pericardial cavity, which houses the heart, is a component of the mediastinum and is enveloped by the pericardium. Understanding the anatomy of the mediastinum is essential for clinical practices such as auscultation and interpreting imaging outcomes like CT scans.