Question

The mediastinum:

a) separates the pleural cavities, and contains the pericardial cavity.
b) contains the pleural cavities.
c) contains both the pleural and pericardial cavities.
d) contains the pericardial cavity.
e) separates the pleural cavities.

Answer 1

The mediastinum separates the pleural cavities and contains the pericardial cavity, holding the heart.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mediastinum is a part of the thoracic cavity that separates the pleural cavities and contains the pericardial cavity. Therefore, the correct option is a) separates the pleural cavities, and contains the pericardial cavity. The pleural cavities hold the lungs and the pericardial cavity holds the heart.

The mediastinum is a central compartment within the thoracic cavity, located between the two pleural cavities that contain the lungs. The mediastinum itself does not contain the pleural cavities, but it does contain the pericardial cavity, where the heart is located. Therefore, the correct answer to the question 'The mediastinum:' is option a) separates the pleural cavities, and contains the pericardial cavity.