The posterior junction anatomy

The anatomy of the posterior junction is more than just the well-recognized posterior junction line. It is helpful to consider this anatomy in terms of three components, each corresponding to a specific area. (a) The Line--Contact of the parietal and visceral pleural surfaces of the right and left lungs, usually anterior to thoracic vertebral bodies 3-5; (b) The Superior Recesses--Edges of lung contact with the mediastinum, usually anterior to thoracic vertebral bodies 1 and 2, which edges marginate a "V" shaped area above the posterior junction line; (c) The Inferior Recesses--Edges of lung contact with the mediastinum over the posterior azygos and aortic arches and in the vicinity of the superior intercostal veins, which edges marginate an inverted "V" shaped area.