Explain how the heart can be in the thoracic cavity but not the pleural cavity.
A)The pleural cavity is only associated with the lungs.
B)The thoracic cavity contains all organs protected by the ribs, sternum, and thoracic vertebrae.
C)The mediastinum is a double-walled membrane surrounding the heart but not the lungs.
D)The pericardial cavity encloses the heart as well as the lungs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pleural cavity specifically refers to the space surrounding the lungs, not the heart. The heart is located in the thoracic cavity but is enclosed in the pericardial cavity within the mediastinum, which is separate from the pleural cavities.

Explain How the Heart Can Be in the Thoracic Cavity