Thoracic cavity

The thoracic cavity, also called the chest cavity, is an important space inside the bodies of animals with backbones. It is protected by the thoracic wall, which includes the rib cage and the skin and muscles around it. This cavity holds many important parts of the body.

In the middle of the thoracic cavity is a space called the mediastinum. The thoracic cavity has two openings: a top opening called the thoracic inlet and a bottom opening called the thoracic outlet.

Inside the thoracic cavity are important systems like the cardiovascular system, which helps blood flow through the body. These parts can sometimes be hurt if there is an injury to the back, spine, or neck.

Structure

The thoracic cavity, also called the chest cavity, holds many important body parts. It includes the heart and major blood vessels like the aorta and pulmonary artery, as well as the lungs and trachea. Other structures inside are the esophagus, the thymus gland, and parts of the nervous system such as the vagus nerves.

The cavity has special spaces lined with a thin layer called mesothelium, including the areas around the lungs known as the pleural cavities and the space around the heart called the pericardial cavity. In the middle of the chest is the mediastinum, which holds organs between the lungs. The thoracic cavity has two openings: a smaller one at the top called the thoracic inlet, and a larger one at the bottom called the inferior thoracic aperture.

Clinical significance

If the space around the lungs is hurt from outside, like by a bullet or knife, air can get inside. This can make one or both lungs collapse, which needs quick help from a doctor.

Additional images

Here are some images that show the thoracic cavity:

• CT scan of the thorax (axial mediastinal window)

• CT scan of the thorax (coronal lung window)

• CT scan of the thorax (coronal mediastinal window)

• Illustration of heart in thoracic cavity

• Illustration of heart position relative to the rib cage