The thoracic cavity is divided into how many cavities?

The thoracic cavity is divided into how many cavities?

• A. One
• B. Two
• C. Three
• D. Four

Answer: (B)

Two main compartments. The thoracic cavity is separated by a horizontal plane at roughly the level of the sternal angle into a superior thoracic cavity and an inferior thoracic cavity. The superior part contains structures such as the trachea, esophagus, thymus, and great vessels, while the inferior part houses the heart within the pericardial cavity and the lungs within the pleural cavities (with the mediastinum between the two pleural spaces). So, at this broad level, there are two cavities.

Two main compartments. The thoracic cavity is separated by a horizontal plane at roughly the level of the sternal angle into a superior thoracic cavity and an inferior thoracic cavity. The superior part contains structures such as the trachea, esophagus, thymus, and great vessels, while the inferior part houses the heart within the pericardial cavity and the lungs within the pleural cavities (with the mediastinum between the two pleural spaces). So, at this broad level, there are two cavities.