Thoracic plane

Infobox Anatomy
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Caption = Mediastinum


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DorlandsPre = p_22
DorlandsSuf = 12644277
The thoracic plane is a plane used to divide the mediastinum into a superior mediastinum and inferior mediastinum.

This plane runs through the level of the sternal angle, (which is the joint between the manubrium and body of the sternum), between the intervertebral disc of T4 and T5. [ [http://anatomy.med.umich.edu/cardiovascular_system/thorax_wall_ans.html Thoracic Wall, Pleura, and Pericardium - Dissector Answers ] ] [ [http://dba.med.sc.edu/GROSS/practise1.htm Untitled Document ] ] [ [http://anatomy.uams.edu/AnatomyHTML/topogr_thorax.html UAMS Department of Anatomy - Topographical Anatomy - Thorax ] ]

The superior mediastinum extends superiorly above this plane, while the inferior mediastinum extends inferiorly. The inferior mediastinum is further divided into the posterior, middle and anterior compartments of the mediatinum.

ignificant findings at the level of the thoracic plane:

1. The start (where the aortic arch comes out of the heart) and end of the arch of the aorta (where the arch of the aorta becomes the descending aorta)

2. The upper margin of the superior vena cava [ [http://www.cja-jca.org/cgi/content/full/49/suppl_1/A32 RADIOGRAPHIC LANDMARKS OF THE UPPER MARGIN OF THE SUPERIOR VENA CAVA (SVC) IN CHILDREN. - Arai et al. 49 (Supplement 1): 32 - Canadian Journal of Anesthesia ] ]

3. The crossing of the thoracic duct

4. The bifurcation of the trachea [ [http://anatomy.uams.edu/AnatomyHTML/viscera_thorax.html UAMS Department of Anatomy - Viscera of the Thorax ] ]

5. The bifurcation of the pulmonary trunk

6. The level of the Sternal Angle

7. The level of Rib 2 where it attaches to the sternum

8. The body of vertebrae T4

References