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
● Clavicle, Ribs, Some landmarks on humerus, Sternum
● Manubriosternal joint (TIV/TV) - sits at rib 2
○ This is b/w disc T4 and T5 vertebrae
○ This is where: the arch of the aorta start and end, split of trachea, bifurcation of
the pulmonary trunk
○ Sternal angle - major landmark
Position of the heart
● Middle mediastinum - contains the heart and all heart related structures
○ Is in b/w sternal angle and Xiphisternal joint
Landmarks:
Horizontal landmarks:
Sternal angle ● splits superior from inferior mediastinum
● Sits b/w T4 and T5 vertebra
Xiphisternal joint ● where body of the sternum meets the xiphoid process
● Close to the apex of the costal margin
● Sits at T9 vertebral level
● This is where the apex of the heart is found