Final answer:
The thoracic cavity contains the lungs, heart, thymus, esophagus, and trachea, with the diaphragm forming its floor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The thoracic cavity is found within the chest, enclosed by the rib cage, and is subdivided into three main components: the superior mediastinum, the bilateral pleural cavities, and the pericardial cavity within the mediastinum. The superior mediastinum contains organs such as the thymus, esophagus, and trachea. The pleural cavities each house a lung. The pericardial cavity contains the heart. Additionally, the thoracic cavity’s floor is formed by the diaphragm, which is a critical muscle for breathing and separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominopelvic cavity.
The organs found within the thoracic cavity include:
- The lungs, which are responsible for gas exchange.
- The heart, which pumps blood throughout the body.
- The esophagus, part of the digestive system allowing passage of food to the stomach.
- The trachea, which is the windpipe that connects the throat to the lungs for air passage.
- The thymus, an organ that plays a role in the immune system during early life.