Final answer:
The heart, thymus, great vessels, lymph nodes, esophagus, trachea, and nerves are located in the mediastinum of the thoracic cavity. This compartment is central to the chest area and houses vital structures including the heart within the pericardial cavity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Mediastinum in the Thoracic Cavity
The heart, thymus, great vessels, lymph nodes, esophagus, trachea, and nerves are all located within the mediastinum of the thoracic cavity. The mediastinum is a central compartment of the thoracic cavity that is enclosed by the rib cage and lies medially between the lungs. It includes regions such as the superior mediastinum, pleural cavity, and pericardial cavity. The diaphragm forms the floor of the thoracic cavity and separates it from the abdominopelvic cavity below.
The mediastinum contains the pericardial cavity, which houses the heart and the roots of the great vessels such as the aorta and pulmonary arteries. The esophagus and trachea are also positioned within the mediastinum, along with various lymph nodes and nerves, including those passing through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm.