The thoracic cavity is encircled by the
following structures
The thoracic cavity is subdivided into more cavites
- Pleural cavity: there are 2 pleural cavities within the thoracic cavity one surrounding each lung
- Pericardial cavity: Surrounds the heart, the Pericardial cavity is contained within the mediastinum
- Mediastinum: runs between the lungs from the sternum to the vertebral column
The Mediastinum contains the following organs
- heart (pericardial cavity)
- great vessels, such as the aorta