<Li> The vertebral cavity is a very narrow, thread - like cavity running from the cranial cavity down the entire length of the spinal cord . </Li> <P> Together the cranial cavity and vertebral cavity can be referred to as the dorsal body cavity . In the posterior (dorsal) cavity, the cranial cavity houses the brain, and the spinal cavity (or vertebral cavity) encloses the spinal cord . Just as the brain and spinal cord make up a continuous, uninterrupted structure, the cranial and spinal cavities that house them are also continuous . The brain and spinal cord are protected by the bones of the skull and vertebral column and by cerebrospinal fluid, a colorless fluid produced by the brain, which cushions the brain and spinal cord within the posterior (dorsal) cavity . </P> <P> The thoracic cavity consists of three cavities that fill the interior area of the chest . </P> <Ul> <Li> The two pleural cavities are situated on both sides of the body, anterior to the spine and lateral to the breastbone . </Li> <Li> The superior mediastinum is a wedge - shaped cavity located between the superior regions of the two thoracic cavities . </Li> <Li> The pericardial cavity within the mediastinum is located at the center of the chest below the superior mediastinum . The pericardial cavity roughly outlines the shape of the heart . </Li> </Ul>

Where is the thoracic cavity located in the body