Thoracic cavity

Thoracic cavity is the chamber of the body of vertebrates that is protected by the thoracic wall (rib cage and associated skin, muscle, and fascia). The central compartment of the thoracic cavity is the mediastinum. There are two openings of the thoracic cavity, a superior thoracic aperture known as the thoracic inlet and a lower inferior thoracic aperture known as the thoracic outlet.

Structure

The thoracic cavity includes the tendons as well as the cardiovascular system which could be damaged from injury to the back, spine, or the neck.

Boundaries

The thoracic cavity is bounded by the thoracic inlet at the top, the thoracic outlet at the bottom, the rib cage on the sides and the thoracic diaphragm at the bottom.

Compartments

The thoracic cavity is separated into two compartments, the pleural cavity and the mediastinum. The right and left pleural cavities each surround one of the lungs. The mediastinum contains the heart, thymus, esophagus, trachea, and large blood vessels.

Clinical significance

Injury to the thoracic cavity can lead to many potential medical emergencies, including tension pneumothorax, flail chest, and cardiac tamponade.

See also

• Human body cavities
• Abdominal cavity
• Pelvic cavity

References

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