Multiple Choice
In the thoracic cavity, the heart is located in which specific cavity?
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1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology
Organization of the Body: Thoracic Cavity
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In the thoracic cavity, the heart is located in which specific cavity?
A
Pleural cavity
B
Pericardial cavity (within the mediastinum)
C
Peritoneal cavity
D
Cranial cavity
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the anatomical divisions of the thoracic cavity. The thoracic cavity is divided into several smaller cavities, including the pleural cavities (which house the lungs) and the mediastinum (the central compartment).
Step 2: Identify the mediastinum as the central area within the thoracic cavity that contains the heart, trachea, esophagus, and other structures.
Step 3: Recognize that within the mediastinum, the heart is enclosed in a specific cavity called the pericardial cavity, which contains the pericardial fluid to reduce friction during heartbeats.
Step 4: Differentiate the pericardial cavity from the pleural cavities (lungs), peritoneal cavity (abdominal organs), and cranial cavity (brain), noting that only the pericardial cavity houses the heart.
Step 5: Conclude that the heart is located in the pericardial cavity within the mediastinum of the thoracic cavity.
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