Thoracic cavity

In this photo, we can see the heart contained within in its transparent pericardial membrane.

Also found inside the thoracic cavity are the right and left lungs, which are on either side of the heart.

Also note the thymus gland, which in many young mammals can be found in the throat and the thoracic cavity. In this view, the thoracic portion has been reflected from the midline to the pig's left.

In the young pig, the thymus is large because it is a critical in the development of the immune system. Later in life, the thymus decreases in size and becomes fairly unimportant.

Next: The heart and lungs

Back to: The circulatory system