The middle mediastinum is the area bounded by the pericardium which contains the heart.

Pericardium tThe pericardium is a closed sac surrounding the heart. It comprises a visceral layer (green) and a parietal layer (blue). The visceral layer (epicardium) is closely apposed to the heart and cannot be dissected from the surface. The parietal layer is further strengthened by a fibrous layer (dark grey) that is continuous with the adventitia of the great vessels. Opening the sac reveals the oblique and transverse sinuses.

The Heart You can study the heart by each of its components: Chambers Heart valves - their projections and auscultation points. Conduction system Coronary circulation Heart development