Multiple Choice
In the organization of the thoracic cavity, the human heart is primarily located in which region?
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1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology
Organization of the Body: Thoracic Cavity
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In the organization of the thoracic cavity, which specific cavity directly contains the heart?
A
Pericardial cavity
B
Peritoneal cavity
C
Spinal (vertebral) cavity
D
Pleural cavity
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the major cavities within the thoracic cavity. The thoracic cavity primarily contains the pleural cavities (which house the lungs) and the pericardial cavity (which houses the heart).
Step 2: Identify the pericardial cavity as a specific subdivision of the mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity, which directly encloses the heart.
Step 3: Recognize that the pleural cavities are separate from the pericardial cavity and contain the lungs, not the heart.
Step 4: Note that the peritoneal cavity is located in the abdominal cavity, not the thoracic cavity, so it does not contain the heart.
Step 5: Understand that the spinal (vertebral) cavity contains the spinal cord and is located posteriorly, separate from the thoracic cavity and its contents.
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