Final answer:
The superior mediastinum contains the trachea, esophagus, thymus gland, great vessels, vagus nerve, and phrenic nerve.
Step-by-step explanation:
The superior mediastinum is a region located in the thoracic cavity, which is the anterior division of the body's ventral cavity. It contains several important structures, including:
- The trachea: the windpipe that carries air to and from the lungs.
- The esophagus: the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
- The thymus gland: an important gland involved in the development of the immune system.
- The great vessels: including the superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, and aorta, which transport blood to and from the heart.
- The vagus nerve: a cranial nerve that controls various functions in the chest and abdomen.
- The phrenic nerve: a nerve that controls the movement of the diaphragm, the main muscle of breathing.