Inside the ribs lies the thoracic cavity, a vital space that houses several crucial organs. The thoracic cavity is enclosed by the rib cage, also known as the thoracic cage, which protects these vital organs. The most prominent organs within the thoracic cavity are the lungs, which are essential for respiration.
The thoracic cavity also houses other important organs like the heart, which pumps blood throughout the body, and the esophagus, which carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Additionally, the major blood vessels that connect the heart to the rest of the body pass through the thoracic cavity.
The rib cage's primary function is to safeguard these organs, but it also plays a crucial role in breathing. The rib cage expands during inhalation, allowing the lungs to fill with air, and contracts during exhalation, expelling air from the lungs.
