mediastinum
/ˌmiːdɪəˈstʌɪnəm
/noun (plural mediastina /ˌmiːdɪəˈstʌɪnə/) Anatomy
A membranous partition between two body cavities or two parts of an organ, especially that between the lungs.The tumor, which is often but not always associated with cystic lung lesions, may arise in pulmonary parenchyma, the mediastinum, and pleura....
- On the lateral radiograph there appeared to be herniation of the left lung through the anterior mediastinum.
- The left main bronchus was exposed at the posterior mediastinum and separated from connective tissue.
Derivatives
mediastinal
/ adjective ...- One patient had extensive cervical, posterior mediastinal, and abdominal lymphadenopathy.
- Two patients presented with masses in the upper lobe of the right lung, simulating posterior mediastinal tumors.
- All men with mediastinal lung masses require a careful testicular examination.
Origin
Late Middle English: neuter of medieval Latin mediastinus 'medial', based on Latin medius 'middle'.