Which cavity contains the heart?

Prepare for the Marieb Language of Anatomy Exam. Utilize multiple choice questions, flashcards, and explanations for each answer. Ace your exam with confidence!

The heart is enclosed by a sac called the pericardium, and it sits inside a tiny fluid-filled space within that sac—the pericardial cavity. This specialized cavity surrounds the heart and contains a small amount of lubricating fluid, which reduces friction as the heart beats. The pericardial cavity is located within the mediastinum, the central part of the thoracic cavity. The pleural cavities on either side contain the lungs, and the abdominopelvic cavity lies below the diaphragm. So, the cavity that contains the heart is the pericardial cavity.