<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article relies largely or entirely on a single source . Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page . Please help improve this article by introducing citations to additional sources . (May 2015) </Td> </Tr> <P> 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 . There are two openings of the thoracic cavity, a superior thoracic aperture known as the thoracic inlet and a lower inferior thoracic aperture known as the thoracic outlet . </P> <P> 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 . </P> <P> Structures within the thoracic cavity include: </P>

Where does the heart lie in the thoracic cavity