The<unk>  is contained in the posterior mediastinal cavity.
It begins at the lower border of the fourth<unk>  vertebra where it is continuous with the<unk> c arch, and ends in front of the lower border of the twelfth<unk>  vertebra, at the<unk> c hiatus in the diaphragm where it becomes the abdominal<unk> .
At its commencement, it is situated on the left of the vertebral column; it approaches the median line as it descends; and, at its termination, lies directly in front of the column.
The vessel describes a curve which is concave forward; as the branches given off from it are small, its diminution in size is insignificant.
Thoracic aorta
Ascending aorta
Descending aorta
Coronary sinus
Aortic sinus
Subclavian vein
Inferior vena cava
Superior vena cava