Talk:Thoracic plane
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The thoracic plane IS the division between the superior and inferior mediastinum. However, this plane runs through the level of the sternal angle, which is at the level of vertebrae body T4-T5. This is NOT the same as the 4th intercostal space. The term "intercostal space" typically refers to the anterior side of the body, palpated with the landmark of the sternal angle which is flanked by Rib 2. Intercostal space 4 would therefore be at the vertebrae level of T6, which is too low for the division of the superior and inferior mediastinum. This space would be in the middle of the heart. I strongly disagree with this entry and I think it is very confusing the way it is worded now.
My references come from the following, which are all accredited medical schools:
http://anatomy.med.umich.edu/cardiovascular_system/thorax_wall_ans.html (University of Michigan - School of Medicine)
http://dba.med.sc.edu/GROSS/practise1.htm (University of South Carolina - School of Medicine)
http://www.med.howard.edu/anatomy/gas/wk4/default.html (Howard University - College of Medicine)
http://anatomy.uams.edu/AnatomyHTML/topogr_thorax.html (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences)