9.3: Location of the Heart

Positioned within the thoracic cavity, the heart is in the center, nestled between the lungs. This area, known as the mediastinum, houses the heart (Figure 1). The heart is set apart from neighboring structures in the mediastinum by a membrane called the pericardium or pericardial sac. This protective layer encases the heart in its own compartment called the pericardial cavity. ²

Figure 1 | Location of the Heart in the Thoracic Cavity | ³  The heart is located within the thoracic cavity, specifically in the central compartment known as the mediastinum. This figure illustrates the heart's position relative to surrounding structures, including the lungs, highlighting its protected placement within the chest.

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