The word 'thoracic cavity' refers to the area inside the chest that houses the heart and lungs. Its correct pronunciation is [θɔːˈræsɪk ˈkævəti]. The 'th' at the beginning of 'thoracic' is pronounced as voiceless dental fricative '[θ]' sound, created by placing the tongue between the teeth and blowing air out. The stress falls on the second syllable 'ras' resulting in the long vowel sound '[æ]'. The word 'cavity' is pronounced with a short vowel sound '[æ]' and stress on the second syllable.
The thoracic cavity is a term used in anatomy to describe the space within the chest, specifically the region between the neck and the diaphragm. It is bounded by the ribs, chest muscles, sternum (breastbone), and the thoracic vertebrae of the spinal column.
This cavity accommodates and protects vital organs including the heart and lungs. The heart is located within a tough fibrous sac called the pericardium, which separates it from the rest of the organs and structures in the thoracic cavity. The lungs, on the other hand, occupy the majority of the thoracic cavity, extending from the base of the neck to the diaphragm, with the right lung being larger and consisting of three lobes, while the left lung contains two lobes.
Furthermore, the thoracic cavity contains other important structures, such as the thymus gland, which plays a critical role in the development and maturation of immune cells. It also houses major blood vessels like the aorta, the largest artery in the body, which carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
In summary, the thoracic cavity is an anatomical region within the chest that houses and protects organs including the heart, lungs, thymus gland, and major blood vessels. The shape and structure of this cavity allow for optimal functioning and protection of these vital organs, which play critical roles in oxygenation, circulation, and immune system regulation.
• The cavity of the chest.
• Cavum thoracis, the cavity bounded by the diaphragm and the walls of the chest, containing the lungs and bronchi, heart and origin of the large vessels, and the esophagus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "thoracic cavity" comes from the combination of two words: "thoracic" and "cavity".
1. "Thoracic" refers to the thorax, which is the region of the human body between the neck and the abdomen. It includes the chest cavity and contains various organs such as the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels.
The term "thoracic" comes from the Greek word "thōrakikos", derived from "thōrāx", meaning "chest" or "breastplate".
2. "Cavity" refers to a hollow space or hole within the body. It is derived from the Latin word "cavus", meaning "hollow" or "concave".
Combining both terms, "thoracic cavity" refers to the hollow space within the thorax, which houses important organs and structures.