Which body cavity holds the lungs, heart, aorta, and vena cava?

• A. Abdominal cavity
• B. Pelvic cavity
• C. Cranial cavity
• D. Thoracic cavity

Answer: (D)

The thoracic cavity houses the lungs, heart, and the major vessels like the aorta and vena cava. The lungs fill most of the space on either side, while the heart sits in the central area called the mediastinum. The aorta and vena cava run through this same chest region as they connect to the heart. A thin diaphragm separates this cavity from the abdominal cavity below. In contrast, the abdominal cavity contains digestive organs, the pelvic cavity holds reproductive and some urinary structures, and the cranial cavity houses the brain. So, the thoracic cavity is the one that holds the lungs, heart, aorta, and vena cava.