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Sep 14, 2021 · The human heart is located within the thoracic cavity, medially between the lungs in the space known as the mediastinum. Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\) shows the position of the heart within the thoracic cavity.
- 17.2: Heart Anatomy
The human heart is located within the thoracic cavity,...
- 16: The Heart
The human heart is located within the thoracic cavity,...
- 17.2: Heart Anatomy
- Overview
- Function
- Anatomy
- Conditions and Disorders
- Care
Your thoracic cavity is a space in your chest that contains organs, blood vessels, nerves and other important body structures. It’s divided into three main parts: right pleural cavity, left pleural cavity and mediastinum. The five organs in your thoracic cavity are your heart, lungs, esophagus, trachea and thymus.
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What is the function of the thoracic cavity?
Your thoracic cavity houses the organs and tissues in your chest. These organs and tissues play a vital role in many of your body’s systems, including your: Cardiovascular system. Digestive system. Immune system. Nervous system. Respiratory system.
Where is the thoracic cavity located?
Your thoracic cavity is located in your chest. It’s enclosed by the bones and muscles that make up your chest wall. Your thoracic cavity begins just below your neck and ends at the bottom of your ribcage. Here’s a bit more detail about your thoracic cavity’s boundaries at different locations within your chest: Top boundary: The top boundary is your superior thoracic aperture (also called your thoracic inlet or thoracic outlet). This is an opening at the base of your neck that connects your neck with your chest. Your esophagus and trachea pass through this opening to enter your thoracic cavity. Many blood vessels, nerves and other structures also pass through it. Bottom boundary: The bottom boundary is your diaphragm. This is a dome-shaped muscle that sits just beneath your heart and lungs. Your diaphragm is what separates your thoracic cavity from your abdominal cavity. Several blood vessels, nerves and tissues pass through your diaphragm as they travel between your chest and belly. These include your aorta, esophagus and vagus nerve. Front boundary: The front boundary is your sternum (breastbone). This is a long, vertical bone that extends down the middle of your chest. Back boundary: Your back boundary is your thoracic spine. This is the middle section of your spine, which extends from the base of your neck to the bottom of your ribcage. Boundary around the sides:These are your ribs. You have 12 pairs of ribs that wrap around the sides of your body and protect the structures inside your chest cavity. Your thoracic cavity contains three main sections. Your mediastinum is in the middle. Your pleural cavities (left and right) are on either side. Advertisement
What are the parts of the thoracic cavity?
Your thoracic cavity is like a home with many rooms. There are three main “rooms” in your thoracic cavity: Right pleural cavity: Located in the right side of your chest. Left pleural cavity: Located in the left side of your chest. Mediastinum: Located in the middle of your chest, between the two pleural cavities. Your mediastinum is further divided into several parts. They’re named according to their position in your chest. There are two main classification systems that scientists use. The first is an older system that divides the mediastinum into four parts: Superior mediastinum: The top part, located superior to (above) your heart. Anterior mediastinum: The part anterior to (in front of) your heart, between your heart and your sternum (breastbone). Middle mediastinum: The part that contains your heart. Posterior mediastinum: The part posterior to (behind) your heart. A more recent classification system divides the mediastinum into three parts with different names: Prevascular compartment: The part in front of your heart. Visceral compartment: The middle part that contains your heart. Paravertebral compartment: The part behind your heart. The older model is based on X-ray images of your heart. The newer model is based on cross-sectional imaging (like CT scans). So, the newer model is helpful for healthcare providers who use cross-sectional imaging for diagnosis and treatment.
What common conditions and disorders affect the thoracic cavity?
A wide range of conditions and disorders can affect the organs and tissues within your thoracic cavity. These include: Aortic aneurysm. Aortic dissection. Cardiac tamponade. Collapsed lung (pneumothorax). Lung cancer. Heart disease and congenital heart disease. Mediastinal masses. Pericardial effusion. Pleurisy.
What can I do to keep my thoracic cavity healthy?
There’s a lot you can do to keep the organs and tissues in your thoracic cavity healthy. Here are some tips: Don’t smoke, vape or use any tobacco products. Exercise regularly. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Follow a heart-healthy diet. This includes limiting saturated fat, sodium and sugar. Visit a healthcare provider for yearly checkups. A note from Cleveland Clinic Your thoracic cavity is the large space in your chest where some of your body’s most important work gets done. If you’re interested in learning about the thoracic cavity, you may have had a recent lung or heart disease diagnosis. Or maybe you just want to know more about the human body. Either way, your healthcare provider can help you learn more. Ask them to share resources or help explain anything that you find confusing as you learn about the inner workings of your body. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 02/20/2023. Learn more about our editorial process.
- Location of the Heart. The human heart is located within the thoracic cavity, medially between the lungs in the space known as the mediastinum. Figure 19.2 shows the position of the heart within the thoracic cavity.
- Shape and Size of the Heart. The shape of the heart is similar to a pinecone, rather broad at the superior surface and tapering to the apex (see Figure 19.2).
- Chambers and Circulation through the Heart. The human heart consists of four chambers: The left side and the right side each have one atrium and one ventricle.
- Membranes, Surface Features, and Layers. Our exploration of more in-depth heart structures begins by examining the membrane that surrounds the heart, the prominent surface features of the heart, and the layers that form the wall of the heart.
The heart is located within the thoracic cavity. Between the two lungs and their cavities (pleural cavities) is a central cavity called the mediastinum. The heart is located inside of the mediastinum in an inner cavity called the pericardial cavity.
Oct 20, 2024 · The human heart is located within the thoracic cavity, medially between the lungs in the region known as the mediastinum. The mediastinum also includes the portions of the major blood vessels, the trachea, and the esophagus that are positioned between the lungs medially.
The heart resides within the pericardial sac and is located in the mediastinal space within the thoracic cavity. The pericardial sac consists of two fused layers: an outer fibrous capsule and an inner parietal pericardium lined with a serous membrane.
The human heart is located within the thoracic cavity, medially between the lungs in the space known as the mediastinum.
