Chapter 17, Problem 1CYU

The heart is in the mediastinum. Just what is the mediastinum?

Summary Introduction

To review:

Explain mediastinum.

Introduction:

The heart is a muscular pumping organ, which consists of four chambers. It is present in the mediastinum. The two upper chambers are small and are called the atria, whereas the two lower large chambers are called the ventricles. The right side of the heart receives carbon dioxide-rich blood and then pumps blood to lungs for oxygenation. The left side of the heart receives oxygen-rich blood from lungs as well as pumps this blood to the tissues.

Explanation of Solution

The heart is a cone-shaped organ, which is enclosed within the mediastinum. The mediastinum is the medial cavity of the thorax and is located between the pleura of the two lungs. It is surrounded by loose connective tissues and contains several structures, such as the heart, blood vessels, esophagus, trachea, thoracic duct, as well as lymph nodes.

The mediastinum can be divided into superior, anterior, middle and posterior mediastinum. The middle mediastinum occupies the heart. The heart rests on the superior surface of the diaphragm, lies posterior to the sternumas well as anterior to the vertebral column. Two thirds of its mass lie to the left of the midsternal line whereas the balance projects to the right.

Conclusion

Thus, it canconclude that the mediastinum is situated in the central compartment of the thoracic activity and encloses the heart.