mediastinum Definition
me·di·as·ti·num (mē′dē as tī′nəm)
noun pl. -·na-nə
- a membranous partition between two cavities of the body, esp. that separating the lungs or the two pleural sacs
- the space between the pleural sacs, containing the heart and other chest viscera except the lungs
Etymology: ModL < ML mediastinus, in the middle (form infl. by L mediastinus, servant, medical assistant) < L medius, middle: see mid
mediastinum Related Forms
me′·di·as·ti′·nal adjective
mediastinum Usage Examples
Adjective modifier
- superior: Loss of weight Shadow present in the superior mediastinum, extending to both sides of the outline of the vertebral column.
- anterior: Ectopic parathyroid tissue can occur, from cricoid to anterior mediastinum.
Modifies a noun
testis: The septa converge toward the midline of the posterior border, meeting along a thickening of the tunica albuginea called the mediastinum testis.
Browse dictionary entries near mediastinum
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