Thoraxhöhle

The Thoraxhöhle, also known as the thoracic cavity, is the space within the chest of vertebrates that is enclosed by the ribs, sternum, and thoracic vertebrae. This cavity plays a crucial role in respiration and protects vital organs. It is separated from the abdominal cavity below by the diaphragm, a muscular sheet.

The Thoraxhöhle contains the lungs, heart, esophagus, trachea, and major blood vessels such as the aorta and vena cava. The lungs are the primary organs of respiration, responsible for gas exchange. The heart, located in the mediastinum (the central part of the thoracic cavity), pumps blood throughout the body. The pleural membranes, a double-layered serous membrane, surround the lungs, reducing friction during breathing.

The mechanical action of breathing involves the expansion and contraction of the Thoraxhöhle. The intercostal muscles between the ribs and the diaphragm contract to increase the volume of the cavity, drawing air into the lungs. Relaxation of these muscles decreases the volume, expelling air. The rigid structure of the rib cage provides protection to the delicate organs within the Thoraxhöhle from external trauma. Any compromise to this cavity can have severe consequences for the organism's survival.