Thoracic cavity seen from left. Lungs, among others removed. The thoracic cavity (or chest cavity) is the chamber of the human body (and other animal bodies) that is protected by the thoracic wall (rib cage and associated skin, muscle, and fascia).The central compartment of the thoracic cavity is the mediastinum.horacic cavity seen from left. Lungs, among others removed. The thoracic cavity (or chest cavity) is the chamber of the human body (and other animal bodies) that is protected by the thoracic wall (rib cage and associated skin, muscle, and fascia).