The thoracic cavity contains the lungs and mediastinum
•The mediastinum is an irregularly shaped central area between the lungs that holds
–The heart and parts of the great vessels
▪Great vessels –
- aorta,
- superior vena cava,
- inferior vena cava,
- pulmonary arteries and
- pulmonary veins
–Esophagus
–Trachea Thymus
The mediastinum is an area within the Thoracic cavity.
It contains the heart and beginning parts of the great vessels,
as well as the esophagus, trachea, and thymus.