In the ventral body cavity, which cavity contains the heart and lungs?

The thoracic cavity is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to encase and protect vital organs such as the heart and lungs. This cavity is located superior to the abdominal cavity and is separated from it by the diaphragm, a muscle that plays a significant role in respiration.

Within the thoracic cavity, further subdivisions exist, including the pleural cavities that surround the lungs and the pericardial cavity that envelops the heart. This anatomical arrangement is critical for proper respiratory function and circulatory dynamics, as the lungs are responsible for gas exchange while the heart pumps blood throughout the body. Understanding the thoracic cavity's role is essential for recognizing how these organs interact and function within the larger context of human anatomy.

The other options refer to different areas: the abdominal cavity houses digestive organs; the dorsal cavity consists mainly of the cranial and spinal cavities, housing the brain and spinal cord; and the pelvic cavity contains reproductive organs and the lower part of the digestive tract. None of these options are involved in housing both the heart and lungs as the thoracic cavity is.