Thoracic plane
Updates to Article Attributes
Body
was changed:
The thoracic plane is an artificial line used to divide the mediastinum into the superior mediastinum and the inferior mediastinum.
It is defined as a horizontal line that runs from the manubriosternal joint (sternal angle) to the inferior endplate of T4 1. Above the thoracic plane is the superior mediastinum and below the thoracic plane is the inferior mediastinum.
A number of important structures are transected by the thoracic plane 1:
- bifurcation of the trachea
- aortic arch (inner concavity)
- pulmonary trunk bifurcation
- azygos vein drains into the SVC, arching over the right main bronchus
- thoracic duct moves from right to left hand side posterior to the oesophagus
- ligamentum arteriosum
- cardiac plexus (superficial and deep parts)
- termination of the pre-vertebral fascia and pre-tracheal fascia
Related articles
-<a href="/articles/azygos-vein">azygos vein</a> drains into the <a href="/articles/superior-vena-cava">SV</a>, arching over the right main bronchus</li>- +<a href="/articles/azygos-vein">azygos vein</a> drains into the <a href="/articles/superior-vena-cava">SV</a><a title="SVC" href="/articles/superior-vena-cava">C</a>, arching over the right main bronchus</li>
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.