Learn about the mediastinum , a visceral compartment of the thoracic cavity that contains the heart, esophagus, trachea, and other vital structures. Explore its division into superior and inferior mediastinum , and its clinical relations and lymphatics. The Superior Mediastinum " is a space for structures to pass between the head/neck and the thorax. The Inferior Mediastinum " comprises the anterior, middle, and posterior sub-compartments. – Anterior mediastinum comprises connective and fatty tissue that protect the deeper structures. – Middle mediastinum comprises the heart and the roots of the great vessels; – Posterior mediastinum provides a passageway for structures in the thorax. The mediastinum is a space in the thorax that contains a group of organs, vessels, nerves, lymphatics and their surrounding connective tissue. It lies in the midline of the chest between the pleura of each lung. It extends anterior to posterior fr... Mediastinum anatomy & function - superior, anterior, middle, inferior & posterior mediastinum cavity. Organs in the mediastinum . What are tumors in mediastinum