mediastinala

Mediastinala is not a standard term in medical references. It may be a typographical error for mediastinal or a coined word in a specific text. When encountered, it would most plausibly be read as referring to something relating to the mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity.

The mediastinum lies between the two pleural cavities, extending from the superior thoracic aperture to the diaphragm. It contains critical structures such as the thymus (especially in children), the heart and pericardium, the great vessels (including the aorta and its branches, the superior and inferior vena cavae), the trachea and main bronchi, the esophagus, the thoracic duct, lymph nodes, and several nerves (notably the vagus and phrenic nerves) and segments of the autonomic nervous system. Clinically, the mediastinum is commonly divided into compartments (superior and inferior; the latter subdivided into anterior, middle, and posterior) to help localize lesions.

Mediastinal pathology includes masses (thymic tumors, germ cell tumors, lymphoma, teratomas, neurogenic tumors), cysts (bronchogenic, pericardial, esophageal duplication), and inflammatory or infectious processes (mediastinitis). Imaging typically starts with chest radiography, followed by CT or MRI for detailed anatomy; PET-CT may aid in evaluating malignant processes. Management depends on the diagnosis and may include biopsy, surgical resection, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.

In formal usage, mediastinal is the standard adjective; mediastinala would be nonstandard outside of a specific coined context. If you encountered this term in a text, additional context would clarify its intended meaning.