Thoracic cavity

The thoracic cavity (or chest cavity) is the chamber of the body of vertebrates that is protected by the thoracic wall (rib cage and associated skin, muscle, and fascia).

The central compartment of the thoracic cavity is the mediastinum.

The thoracic cavity includes the tendons as well as the cardiovascular system which could be damaged from injury to the back, spine or the neck.

The mediastinum comprises those organs which lie in the centre of the chest between the lungs.

If the volume of air is significant, one or both lungs may collapse, which requires immediate medical attention.

The picture displays the mediastinum on sagittal plane , thoracic diaphragm at the bottom, the heart (cor), behind sternum and ribs (to the left on the picture (this is the anterior/front) and to the right (posterior/back)), you have the thoracic vertebrae .