Thoracic cavity

The thoracic cavity is the chamber of the human body (and other animal bodies) that is protected by the thoracic wall (thoracic cage and associated skin, muscle, and fascia). Structures within the thoracic cavity include:

Related Topics:
Chamber - Thoracic wall - Thoracic cage - Fascia

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• the lungs,
• the heart,
• the thoracic aorta,
• the main pulmonary artery and its branches,
• the thymus gland,
• the trachea and bronchi and
• the esophagus.

It contains the potential space called the pleural cavity and the mediastinum.

Related Topics:
Pleural cavity - Mediastinum

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If the thoracic cavity is breached from the outside, as by a bullet wound or knife wound, a pneumothorax, or air in the cavity, usually results, often leading to one or both lungs collapsing and requiring immediate medical attention.

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