What is the protective covering of the heart and lungs called?

The protective covering of the heart and lungs is known as the pericardium. This is a double-walled sac that provides a protective layer for the heart, preventing infection and reducing friction while the heart beats. In the case of the lungs, they are covered by a similar membrane called the pleura, which offers protection and facilitates movement during respiration.

The thorax, while it plays a protective role by housing the heart and lungs within the rib cage, does not refer specifically to the covering of these organs. The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity and plays a crucial role in breathing rather than providing a protective covering. The term 'cavity' refers to a space within the body and is not specific to any protective layer.

Understanding the specific anatomical structures and their functions is important in the context of health and esthetics, as knowledge of the body's systems can impact treatment decisions and approaches in practice.