The anterior mediastinum is a part of the inferior mediastinum that is located between the body of the sternum and pericardium.

Borders

Its superior boundary is the transverse thoracic plane separating it from the superior mediastinum, while its inferior boundary is the diaphragm (read more!). Laterally, it is bounded by the mediastinal part of the parietal pleura on each side.

Content

A major structure found in the anterior mediastinum is the inferior extension of the thymus. It also contains other tissue and organs, such as fat, connective tissue, lymph nodes, mediastinal branches of the internal thoracic vessels, and sternopericardial ligaments.