HEALTH SCI 2300 ANATOMY UNIT 6
CARDIOVASCULAR UNIVERSITY OF
WEST ONTARIO
Cardiovascular System
6.1: Thoracic Mediastinum and Pericardium
Thoracic cavity
Surface Anatomy Landmarks
Red - you can feel bones
â— Clavicle, Ribs, Some landmarks on humerus, Sternum
â— Manubriosternal joint (TIV/TV) - sits at rib 2
â—‹ This is b/w disc T4 and T5 vertebrae
â—‹ This is where: the arch of the aorta start and end, split of trachea, bifurcation of
the pulmonary trunk
â—‹ Sternal angle - major landmark
Position of the heart
â— Middle mediastinum - contains the heart and all heart related structures
â—‹ Is in b/w sternal angle and Xiphisternal joint
Landmarks:
Horizontal landmarks:
Sternal angle â— splits superior from inferior mediastinum
â— Sits b/w T4 and T5 vertebra
Xiphisternal joint â— where body of the sternum meets the xiphoid process
â— Close to the apex of the costal margin
â— Sits at T9 vertebral level
â— This is where the apex of the heart is found